Robin G. Brumfield

The Agricultural Information System for Farmers in Turkey

Describes the general model and current status of the Turkish agricultural information system and the roles of research and extension agencies. Concludes that, while Turkey has many agricultural and related organisations that have made considerable contributions to agricultural development within the country, there is no effective communication between the research and extension institutions. This has inhibited the generation and dissemination of new technologies to farmers. The private sector is not likely to be a major substitute for public sector research and extension for several decades. Makes recommendations for the improvement of the system.

Research note on equity and ethics in state-promotion of agricultural products

Many state governments in the United States promote locally-produced farm products. This paper discusses issues related to the ethics and equity of such promotional programs. The paper argues that generic promotion is generally easier to justify in terms of ethics and equity than brand promotion. It also argues that informative and factual brand promotions are easier to justify than deceptive and persuasive brand promotions. Additional equity issues arising when taxpayers finance state-promotional programs are also discussed.

Extension Approaches for Horticultural Innovation

The focus of this chapter is towards the changing extension climate surrounding the horticultural industry and the implications for horticultural extension now and into the future. Extension as a function and a practice is being redefined in many countries alongside changes in the institutional arrangements for extension, changing funding models and varying degrees of involvement of the private sector. The chapter analyses: industry/sector changes and implications for extension traditional and more recent interpretation surrounding extension definitions and delivery models the evolving enabling environment, resource constraints and institutional roles surrounding extension service delivery the extension practitioner (their skills, competencies, roles) elements of a model suited to support industry needs with high, ongoing innovation requirements.