Descriptions of innovation groups (Deliverable 3.1 OK-Net EcoFeed Project)

Abstract

The objective of OK-Net EcoFeed Task 3.2 was to “develop a common framework to collect data about all Innovation Groups (IGs) and their relevant context factors”. The framework covers “essential information about possible causes of unsatisfactory performance of organic monogastrics systems in terms of feeding” and identifies the predominant challenges and solutions which are used when addressing these issues throughout the value chain. Additionally, the collected data includes a survey of methods and tools for knowledge exchange used by the IGs, systems used to overcome language barriers as well as considering gender aspects. The data were collected through Innovation Group meetings in eight European countries and supplementary interviews. The IG meetings were predominantly face-to-face with one on-line survey and were followed by Science Bazaars in each country. Interviews were completed through face-to-face meetings, electronically or by telephone. The meetings were attended by 100 IG members, 72% of whom were farmers and 28% were advisors and feed companies. Of the three Thematic Groups represented in the project, pigs were the focus in six groups, layers in five and broilers in five