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Event Description:
There is a growing concern that the application of new and existing research knowledge to support the sustainable intensification of the Irish Agri-Food sector is being undermined by a lack of effective knowledge transfer and innovation systems. The more traditional model, largely based on a one-way transfer of knowledge from research to policy to extension to farmers, has not provided the on-farm results expected. Progress has and continues to be made in improving knowledge transfer (e.g. Teagasc Discussion Groups). Recent reviews by the OECD (2015) and SCAR (2013) provide valuable insights to the challenges and potential solutions.
There was a strong consensus that there was a need to identify new models of knowledge transfer to support sustainable intensification of agriculture in Ireland emerging from the Ag-Impact workshop held in Dublin (January, 2015). The primary objective of the workshop was to identify the water quality research priorities for the next five years. However, the participants strongly suggested the biggest step-change in mitigating the impact of agriculture on water quality could be achieved by improving knowledge transfer and the associated implementation of solutions on farms i.e. innovation.
Developing the option(s) to improve the current knowledge transfer and innovation systems in Ireland was beyond the scope of the Ag-Impact project. However, the EPA wished to explore this issue and offered a six month project extension.
The aim of the project extension is to identify potential approach(es) for anto support sustainable intensification of Irish agriculture as outlined in FH2020 and in the new 2025 Agri-Food Strategy to be published by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine later this year.
The project extension concept of a IKTI system is one that represents the linkages between the people and institutions to promote mutual learning, generate, share and utilise agricultural related technology, knowledge and information to promote the innovation required to achieve FH2020 sustainable intensification goals. The Workshop will also consider the IKTI requirements to meet the needs of rapidly changing Agri-Food sector and the ambitious targets that will set out in DAFM’s 2025 Strategy.
The June 26th, 2015 Workshop output will be:.
* A list of the characteristics of an IKTI model to meet the current and future needs of the Agri-Food sector.
This output will be used in a follow up survey among a wider group of interested parties. The final step will be a stakeholder consultation workshop to develop an outline strategy for the development and implementation of IKTI.
The Workshop .
A small group of 20-25 experts from science, policy, extension, education, farmers and agri-food industry will be brought together for a one-day workshop to discuss approaches to improve knowledge transfer.
To stimulate thinking during the workshop a Foresight expert, Dr. Patrick Crehan will be present short talk on how existing and emerging technologies might impact on the sector up to 2025. The subsequent discussions will be recorded with a focus on recording key characteristics of an IKTI model.
* Registration for this event is by invite only * Registration for this event is now closed