Owen Maleady

Project Title: Determination of the effectivness of monitor farms as a knowledge transfer method on tillage farms

Project overview: Monitor farm programmes are community run farmer led projects that provide a forum for farmers to meet, discuss and learn about new or significantly improved practices. Facilitated by outside agencies, these progammes aim to increase learning through various different methods. This study reveals that facilitated participatory extension approaches, such as monitor farms, can enhance knowledge transfer resulting in increased learning and greater adoption of sustainable practices among tillage farmers. This in turn further promotes the production of native grains, strenthens sustainability in the Irish tillage sector and aids in climate change mitigation and food security.

Supervisors: Shay Phelan Teagasc, Dr Tomás Russell UCD

Location: Oakpark advisory office, Carlow