This work package developed a comprehensive understanding of: 

1. The personal knowledge system (the so-called ‘microAKIS’) that farmers construct / assemble for themselves, including the range of individuals, organisations and networks from which they seek services and exchange knowledge with, and;
2. The decision-making processes associated with the uptake (or not!) of innovation by farmers and the impact of farm advisory services upon these decisions.

This understanding was developed using case studies and in-depth interviews with farmers and advisers in 32 ‘focus regions’ across Europe (see map below) and in relation to 9 major areas of agricultural innovation:

• Autonomous vehicles, robots, drones, intelligent sensors and precision farming
• Biological pest control
• Soil improvement 
• Retro-innovation (re-creation, re-invention and re-introduction of traditional products / crops)
• Introducing new crops’ (legumes, superfoods, heathy seeds, etc.)
• Developing new activities’ (recreation, healthcare, wild resources, renewable energy, etc.)
• Direct marketing and local products
• Common management of natural resources (water, grazing, forest, etc.)
• Innovative labour arrangements

The final report on this work package can be downloaded here.

Watch the explanatory video on YouTube: