D2.2: Evaluation of the usefulness of tools and end-user materials to farmers

Summary

Organic farming is knowledge intensive and in supporting farmers in enhancing their production systems, there is a need to improve how knowledge is shared. This is the overall aim of the OK Net Arable project. Work Package 2 of the project is concerned with facilitating the testing of practical and educational materials with farmer innovation groups to improve knowledge provision in this sector. The work package adopts an interactive multi-actor approach, bringing together practitioners from regional innovation groups with each other, and with advisers and scientists.
This report presents feedback from farmers and advisors on knowledge exchange tools on the range of topics addressed in this project (such as soil and nutrient management, weed control, pest and diseases) and in a range of formats (technical guides, websites, decision support tools and videos). The feedback was gathered in 22 workshops held across 10 countries during 2016, working with established farmer innovation groups. It brings together some of the key findings that can help to inform the creation of knowledge exchange tools, which fit the needs of farmers, to support their learning and enhance organic farming.