The document summarizes a PhD defense presentation on farmer innovations in local food systems. It discusses how conventional views of innovation focus on technology adoption, while an alternative view sees adaptation and development of innovations as important. It also notes that sustainable agriculture was a response to perceived costs of chemical-based innovations. The presentation analyzed innovations on 28 farms, finding production and networking innovations were common and identifying compost tea as addressing the most production problems.

1. Sustainable farmer innovationsSustainable farmer innovations
in emerging local food systems:in emerging local food systems:
Looking beyond adoption to adaptation andLooking beyond adoption to adaptation and
development of innovationsdevelopment of innovations
PhD Defense
Justin Ellis
June 14, 2013

2. Innovation in AgricultureInnovation in Agriculture
ConventionalConventional
ViewView
Alternative ViewAlternative View
WhatWhat Often TechnologyOften Technology
orientedoriented
Includes any tools thatIncludes any tools that
address the problemaddress the problem
WhyWhy Focused on commodityFocused on commodity
yields and profitabilityyields and profitability
Address broader problems ofAddress broader problems of
social, environmental andsocial, environmental and
economic challengeseconomic challenges
HowHow Diffusion occurs throughDiffusion occurs through
technology transfer bytechnology transfer by
information authoritiesinformation authorities
Innovation adaptation andInnovation adaptation and
development are asdevelopment are as
important as Diffusionimportant as Diffusion
A unique or novel solution to problems
that is new to the user regardless if it is new to the world

3. Technology Transfer Model
ResearchResearch
ExtensionExtension
FarmersFarmers
Needs
Innovation Development
Adoption

4. Sustainable Agriculture Development
Farmer PractionersFarmer Practioners
1.1.
Research was not that interested inResearch was not that interested in
sustainable agriculture until fairlysustainable agriculture until fairly
recently.recently.
..
Innovation Development
2.2.
SA was a response to the perceivedSA was a response to the perceived
financial, ecological and social costs tofinancial, ecological and social costs to
farmers, society and the world thatfarmers, society and the world that
chemical, capital and technologicalchemical, capital and technological
innovations developed by researchinnovations developed by research
science have createdscience have created

5. The Local Food System of Northeast GeorgiaThe Local Food System of Northeast Georgia
NC
SC
Focus on
•Sustainability
•Small scale
•Resource limited
•Newer farms

6. Change question fromChange question from
Why do farmers adopt?Why do farmers adopt?
toto
Why do farmers innovate?Why do farmers innovate?
What do farmers innovate?What do farmers innovate?
How do farmers innovate?How do farmers innovate?
Production Marketing Networking
Innovation InventoryInnovation Inventory
Innovation TypologyInnovation Typology
Adaptation andAdaptation and
DevelopmentDevelopment
ProcessesProcesses

7. • Beginning of agricultural productionist era
• Hybrid seed introduced to Iowa in 1928
• Benefits + improved vigor, disease and drought
resistance, 20% higher yields.
• By 1945 vast majority of Iowan farmers had
adopted
• Ryan and Gross (1943) studied the diffusion of
hybrid seed corn amongst farmers to
understand how innovations are spread.
Inspecting ears of hybrid seed
corn. Iowa, 1939. IPTV.org
The Diffusion of InnovationsThe Diffusion of Innovations
Hybrid Seed CornHybrid Seed Corn
A historical perspectiveA historical perspective
on the study of agricultural innovationson the study of agricultural innovations

8. Innovation Diffusion theoryInnovation Diffusion theory
PATTERNPATTERN MANIFESTATIONMANIFESTATION
Rate of AdoptionRate of Adoption Follows S curveFollows S curve
Starts slowStarts slow
Increases rapidly afterIncreases rapidly after
10%-15% adoption10%-15% adoption
Stages ofStages of
AdoptionAdoption
Categories ofCategories of
AdoptersAdopters
Attributes ofAttributes of
InnovationsInnovations
CritiqueCritique
• Emphasis is on Adoption
• Single innovations
• Assumes adoption is good for all

9. PATTERNPATTERN MANIFESTATIONMANIFESTATION
Rate of AdoptionRate of Adoption Follows S curveFollows S curve
Starts slowStarts slow
Increases rapidly afterIncreases rapidly after
10%-15% adoption10%-15% adoption
Stages ofStages of
AdoptionAdoption
Adoption is an indvidualAdoption is an indvidual
processprocess
Categories ofCategories of
AdoptersAdopters
Attributes ofAttributes of
InnovationsInnovations
Stages of AdoptionStages of Adoption
Innovation Diffusion theoryInnovation Diffusion theory
CritiqueCritique
• Assumes innovations should be
adopted by all (pro innovation bias)
• Little discussion of adaptations or
re-invention

10. PATTERNPATTERN MANIFESTATIONMANIFESTATION
Rate of AdoptionRate of Adoption Follows S curveFollows S curve
Starts slowStarts slow
Increases rapidly afterIncreases rapidly after
10%-15% adoption10%-15% adoption
Stages ofStages of
AdoptionAdoption
Adoption is an individualAdoption is an individual
processprocess
Categories ofCategories of
AdoptersAdopters
Adopters at differentAdopters at different
phases sharephases share
characteristicscharacteristics
Attributes ofAttributes of
InnovationsInnovations
Innovation Diffusion theoryInnovation Diffusion theory
CritiqueCritique
• Blames non-adopters (individual
blame bias).
• Non-adoption not due to problems
with the innovation or its effects.
• Issues with Equality
• Bias in favor of wealthy farms

11. PATTERNPATTERN MANIFESTATIONMANIFESTATION
Rate of AdoptionRate of Adoption Follows S curveFollows S curve
Starts slowStarts slow
Increases rapidly afterIncreases rapidly after
10%-15% adoption10%-15% adoption
Stages ofStages of
AdoptionAdoption
Adoption is an individualAdoption is an individual
processprocess
Categories ofCategories of
AdoptersAdopters
Adopters at differentAdopters at different
phases sharephases share
characteristicscharacteristics
Attributes ofAttributes of
InnovationsInnovations
Qualities of innovationsQualities of innovations
affect adoption ratesaffect adoption rates
Innovation Diffusion theoryInnovation Diffusion theory

12. Attributes of InnovationsAttributes of Innovations
Relative Advantage
Benefits above and beyond those offered by
existing practices.
Compatibility Consistent with existing needs, previous ideas, and
individual and cultural values.
Complexity Extent to which an innovation is considered
difficult to understand and implement.
Trialability Extent to which an innovation can be
experimented with on a limited basis.
Observability Extent to which an innovation can be seen by
others.
Innovation Diffusion theoryInnovation Diffusion theory
CritiqueCritique
• Only assesses innovations according to their adoptiveness
• Doesn’t address adaptability (or sustainability)

13. MethodsMethods
Participant ObservationParticipant Observation
Or in this case “Or in this case “Agroecologist!Agroecologist!””
• 36 farms visited
• 28 included in study
• 240 hrs of observation
• Semi-structured
interviews
• Participatory Action
Research
in years 2-4
WhiteWhite
HabershamHabersham
RabunRabun
4 years
2009-2013

14. Innovation InventoryInnovation Inventory
Blackberry stakes with washer
adaptation for stationary wire
Mulched rows with
clover cover crop in
the paths
Body Saving
Better Performance
Weed control
SOM / FertilityWheel hoe
Amish stool

15. Innovation InventoryInnovation Inventory
Season Extension
Cost saving, time
saving, body saving,
nutrient cycling
Food Safety
Irrigation
Chicken Wagon
Cob Furnace
Sand Filter

16. Innovation InventoryInnovation Inventory
Time Saving
Season Extension
Cost Savings
Planting Marker
High Tunnels and
Pipe Benders
Insect Control
Parasitic Wasps

17. Innovation AnalysisInnovation Analysis
categorized by “challenges designed to address”

18. Production
Innovations
Network /
Knowledge /
Marketing
1. Time Saving
2. Cost Saving
3. Energy Saving
4. Recycled / Reuse
5. Body / Labor Saving
6. Better Performance
7. Yield Enhancement
8. SOM (soil organic matter) Management and Soil Amendment
9. Nutrient Cycling
10. Irrigation / Watering
11. Season Extension
12. Insect / Pest / Disease Control
13. Weed Control
14. Harvest / Product Quality
15. Manufactured Equipment
16. Livestock / Animal Management
17. Labor Assistance
18. Assessment Planning
19. Outside Income
20. Quality of Life / Lifestyle
21. Feedback
22. Network / Organizational
23. Farmer Training / Knowledge
24. Crop / Food Types and Uses
25. Marketing
26. Income Enhancement
27. Food Processing
28. Food Policy
29. Food Safety
Labor /
Planning
/ Lifestyle
Food
Processing /
Safety
Innovation TypesInnovation Types

19. Innovation TypologyInnovation Typology
IndicatesIndicates marketingmarketing andand
networkingnetworking innovationsinnovations
are as common as someare as common as some
productionproduction innovationsinnovations
Suggests where farmersSuggests where farmers
in a food system arein a food system are
investing in solutions toinvesting in solutions to
problemsproblems
Does notDoes not tell us whichtell us which
innovations are mostinnovations are most
importantimportant
Innovation Types ranked by frequency of occurrence

20. Type Category Occurrence Rank
Better performance Production 62 1
Cost Saving Production 58 2
Marketing Network / Knowledge / Marketing 55 3
Network / Organizational Network / Knowledge / Marketing 40 4
Body / Labor Saving Production 30 5
Crop / Food Types and Uses Network / Knowledge / Marketing 29 6
Time Saving Production 27 7
Yield Enhancement Production 26 8
SOM management / soil amendment Production 26 9
Season Extension Production 25 10
Insect / Disease Control Production 24 11
Manufactured equipment Production 23 12
Nutrient Cycling Production 22 13
Harvest / Product Quality Production 22 14
Recycled/Reuse Production 19 15
Income Enhancement Network / Knowledge / Marketing 18 16
Weed / Control Production 17 17
Assessment Planning Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 15 18
Farmer Training / Knowledge Network / Knowledge / Marketing 15 19
Food Processing Food Processing / Safety 12 20
Irrigation / Watering Production 10 21
Livestock/Animal Management Production 10 22
Outside Income/ Grants Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 10 23
Quality of Life / Lifestyle Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 9 24
Feedback Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 7 25
Labor assistance Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 6 26
Energy Saving Production 5 27
Food Safety Innovation Food Processing / Safety 5 28
Food Policy Food Processing / Safety 3 29
Homemade Greenhouses
n=5
Greenhouse Case StudyGreenhouse Case Study
Pipe Bender
Example of a
COST SAVINGS
Innovation

21. Type Category Occurrence Rank
Better performance Production 62 1
Cost Saving Production 58 2
Marketing Network / Knowledge / Marketing 55 3
Network / Organizational Network / Knowledge / Marketing 40 4
Body / Labor Saving Production 30 5
Crop / Food Types and Uses Network / Knowledge / Marketing 29 6
Time Saving Production 27 7
Yield Enhancement Production 26 8
SOM management / soil amendment Production 26 9
Season Extension Production 25 10
Insect / Disease Control Production 24 11
Manufactured equipment Production 23 12
Nutrient Cycling Production 22 13
Harvest / Product Quality Production 22 14
Recycled/Reuse Production 19 15
Income Enhancement Network / Knowledge / Marketing 18 16
Weed / Control Production 17 17
Assessment Planning Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 15 18
Farmer Training / Knowledge Network / Knowledge / Marketing 15 19
Food Processing Food Processing / Safety 12 20
Irrigation / Watering Production 10 21
Livestock/Animal Management Production 10 22
Outside Income/ Grants Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 10 23
Quality of Life / Lifestyle Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 9 24
Feedback Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 7 25
Labor assistance Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 6 26
Energy Saving Production 5 27
Food Safety Innovation Food Processing / Safety 5 28
Food Policy Food Processing / Safety 3 29
NRCS Funded
Greenhouses
n=6

22. Type Category Occurrence Rank
Better performance Production 62 1
Cost Saving Production 58 2
Marketing Network / Knowledge / Marketing 55 3
Network / Organizational Network / Knowledge / Marketing 40 4
Body / Labor Saving Production 30 5
Crop / Food Types and Uses Network / Knowledge / Marketing 29 6
Time Saving Production 27 7
Yield Enhancement Production 26 8
SOM management / soil amendment Production 26 9
Season Extension Production 25 10
Insect / Disease Control Production 24 11
Manufactured equipment Production 23 12
Nutrient Cycling Production 22 13
Harvest / Product Quality Production 22 14
Recycled/Reuse Production 19 15
Income Enhancement Network / Knowledge / Marketing 18 16
Weed / Control Production 17 17
Assessment Planning Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 15 18
Farmer Training / Knowledge Network / Knowledge / Marketing 15 19
Food Processing Food Processing / Safety 12 20
Irrigation / Watering Production 10 21
Livestock/Animal Management Production 10 22
Outside Income/ Grants Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 10 23
Quality of Life / Lifestyle Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 9 24
Feedback Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 7 25
Labor assistance Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 6 26
Energy Saving Production 5 27
Food Safety Innovation Food Processing / Safety 5 28
Food Policy Food Processing / Safety 3 29
• Primary Income vs. Secondary Income Farms
• Some homemade structures built for matching costs of the NRCS
funded projects
• Innovative use of capital (No one purchased a kit)
• All projects reduced costs with labor. Benefits toward innovation?
• Future questions: - different growing environments?
- influence of subsidies on innovation process
Total Square Feet and Material Costs of Greenhouses built by Farms
between 2009-2013

23. ``
Type Category Occurrence Rank
Better performance Production 62 1
Cost Saving Production 58 2
Marketing Network / Knowledge / Marketing 55 3
Network / Organizational Network / Knowledge / Marketing 40 4
Body / Labor Saving Production 30 5
Crop / Food Types and Uses Network / Knowledge / Marketing 29 6
Time Saving Production 27 7
Yield Enhancement Production 26 8
SOM management / soil amendment Production 26 9
Season Extension Production 25 10
Insect / Disease Control Production 24 11
Manufactured equipment Production 23 12
Nutrient Cycling Production 22 13
Harvest / Product Quality Production 22 14
Recycled/Reuse Production 19 15
Income Enhancement Network / Knowledge / Marketing 18 16
Weed / Control Production 17 17
Assessment Planning Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 15 18
Farmer Training / Knowledge Network / Knowledge / Marketing 15 19
Food Processing Food Processing / Safety 12 20
Irrigation / Watering Production 10 21
Livestock/Animal Management Production 10 22
Outside Income/ Grants Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 10 23
Quality of Life / Lifestyle Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 9 24
Feedback Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 7 25
Labor assistance Labor / Planning / Lifestyle 6 26
Energy Saving Production 5 27
Food Safety Innovation Food Processing / Safety 5 28
Food Policy Food Processing / Safety 3 29
Basement Growing
Cob FurnaceAlternative HeatAlternative Heat
Season ExtensionSeason Extension
Case StudyCase Study
• Only occur on one farm
• Why did Trillium Farms innovate?
• Growing Year Round
• Will People Adopt?
• System Level Innovations
“Because I produce heat down here it made more
sense to import light”

24. Identifying Key InnovationsIdentifying Key Innovations
Innovation Practices
Innovation
types addressed
Compost Tea 9
Aquaponics system 8
Compost Tea 8
NRCS Rainwater irrigation system 8
Compost Tea 8
Compost Slurry 8
CSA shares system / Cafeteria Style 7
Impact Grazing 7
Using cardboard / hay for weed
suppression 7
Focusing on Locally Grown internet
market 7
On-farm Farmers Market 7
Locally Grown market 7
Basement growing using grow lights 7
Well and watering lines Grant 6
NRCS high tunnel and irrigation
grants 6
Biodynamic treatments 6
NRCS Irrigation system 6
Recycled Black Plastic under tomatoes 6
Use of inexpensive tunnels 6
Locally Grown market 6
• Which innovations address the
most problems?
• Which innovations have widest
applicability?
• Which innovations most
strongly shape farm
management?
• Which innovations are shaping
the local food system as a
whole?
Specific Innovations and the number of innovation
types they address

25. Compost Tea Case StudyCompost Tea Case Study
Soil Food Web Priming Techniques
• Occurrence : 4 of 28 farms
• Source : Non-traditional consultants
& Dr. Elaine Ingham
• Impact : Addressed broadest # of production
needs (9)
• Performance:
• Corn with Brix of 56 when 24 is excellent
• Blueberries – no size down, flowering on one
year growth
• Tomatoes and Peppers exposed to late freeze
of 31°F survived with less than 5% loss.
• Other Innovation Processes – trials have been
important, example of adaptation, not a
replacement for SOM amendments
Example of a Key InnovationExample of a Key Innovation

26. Compost Tea Case StudyCompost Tea Case Study
Soil Food Web Priming Techniques
• Occurrence : 4 of 28 farms
• Source : Non-traditional consultants
& Dr. Elaine Ingham
• Impact : Addressed broadest # of production
needs (9)
• Performance:
• Corn with Brix of 56 when 24 is excellent
• Blueberries – no size down, flowering on one
year growth
• Tomatoes and Peppers exposed to late freeze
of 31°F survived with less than 5% loss.
• Other Innovation Processes – trials have been
important, example of adaptation, not a
replacement for SOM amendments
Example of a Key InnovationExample of a Key Innovation
Production Innovation Types
• Time Saving
• Cost Saving
• Energy Saving
• Recycled / Reuse
• Body / Labor Saving
• Better Performance
• Yield Enhancement
• SOM Management
• Nutrient Cycling
• Irrigation / Watering
•Season Extension
•Insect / Pest / Disease Control
•Weed Control
•Harvest / Product Quality
•Manufactured Equipment
•Livestock / Animal Management

27. Compost Tea throughCompost Tea through
the Attributes of Innovationsthe Attributes of Innovations
Relative Advantage
Benefits are numerous and immediate.
Compatibility Strong
Complexity
Relatively complex
• Requires specialized equipment
• Microbes are difficult / impossible to measure
Trialability Strong. Most farms that had a trial adopted.
Observability Somewhat of a challenge

28. Compost Tea throughCompost Tea through
the Attributes of Innovationsthe Attributes of Innovations
Relative Advantage
Benefits are numerous and immediate.
Compatibility Strong
Complexity
Relatively complex
• Requires specialized equipment
• Microbes are difficult / impossible to measure
Trialability Strong. Most farms that had a trial adopted.
Observability Somewhat of a challenge
AdaptabilityAdaptability
Extent to which an innovation can be modified orExtent to which an innovation can be modified or
improved in order to better address the specificimproved in order to better address the specific
contexts, problems and challenges in a settingcontexts, problems and challenges in a setting

29. Compost Tea throughCompost Tea through
the Attributes of Innovationsthe Attributes of Innovations
Relative Advantage Benefits are numerous and immediate.
Compatibility Strong
Complexity
Relatively complex
• Requires specialized equipment
• Microbes are difficult / impossible to measure
Trialability Strong. Most farms that had a trial adopted.
Observability Somewhat of a challenge
AdaptabilityAdaptability
Extent to which an innovation can be modified orExtent to which an innovation can be modified or
improved in order to better address the specificimproved in order to better address the specific
contexts, problems and challenges in a settingcontexts, problems and challenges in a setting
Sustainability?Sustainability? Poorly accounted for innovation studies.Poorly accounted for innovation studies.

30. Identifying Key InnovationsIdentifying Key Innovations
Innovation Practices
Innovation
types addressed
Compost Tea 9
Aquaponics system 8
Compost Tea 8
NRCS Rainwater irrigation system 8
Compost Tea 8
Compost Slurry 8
CSA shares system / Cafeteria Style 7
Impact Grazing 7
Using cardboard / hay for weed
suppression 7
Focusing on Locally Grown internet
market 7
On-farm Farmers Market 7
Locally Grown market 7
Basement growing using grow lights 7
Well and watering lines Grant 6
NRCS high tunnel and irrigation
grants 6
Biodynamic treatments 6
NRCS Irrigation system 6
Recycled Black Plastic under tomatoes 6
Use of inexpensive tunnels 6
Locally Grown market 6
• Does this innovation address
the most problems?
• Does this innovation have wide
applicability?
• Does this innovation strongly
shape farm management?
• Does this innovation shape the
local food system as a whole?
Specific Innovations and the number of innovation
types they address
YES
YES, though not widely adopted
YES, it is a system level innovation
YES

31. Biochar case studyBiochar case study
Example of a Non Key InnovationExample of a Non Key Innovation
• One of most persistent forms of C in
the world
• Conversion of cob furnace to
biochar chamber
• Applied for SARE producer grant
• Example of innovation development
Analysis
•In Conceptual Stage
•Key Innovations:
•Not widely applicable –
Not heating through winter (labor
requirements)
•Not likely to shape farm mgmt.-
Compost not a huge expense

32. Biochar throughBiochar through
the Attributes of Innovationsthe Attributes of Innovations
Relative Advantage Immediacy of benefits is LOW / RISKY
Compatibility
LOW : few people heating greenhouses &
greenhouses are larger
Complexity
Extremely complex
• Haven’t heard of it / Uncertain how it works
• Science unclear on effects of different biochar
Trialability Difficult. Not available. Must build a furnace, etc.
Observability Non-Existent
AdaptabilityAdaptability
UnknownUnknown
Sustainability?Sustainability? Significant PotentialSignificant Potential

33. Biochar throughBiochar through
the Attributes of Innovationsthe Attributes of Innovations
Relative Advantage Immediacy of benefits is LOW / RISKY
Compatibility
LOW : few people heating greenhouses &
greenhouses are larger
Complexity
Extremely complex
• Haven’t heard of it / Uncertain how it works
• Science unclear on effects of different biochar
Trialability Difficult. Not available. Must build a furnace, etc.
Observability Non-Existent
AdaptabilityAdaptability
UnknownUnknown
Sustainability?Sustainability? Significant PotentialSignificant Potential
Production Innovation Types
• Time Saving
• Cost Saving
• Energy Saving
• Recycled / Reuse
• Body / Labor Saving
• Better Performance
• Yield Enhancement
• SOM Management
• Nutrient Cycling
• Irrigation / Watering
•Season Extension
•Insect / Pest / Disease Control
•Weed Control
•Harvest / Product Quality
•Manufactured Equipment
•Livestock / Animal Management

34. Internet Based Farmers MarketInternet Based Farmers Market
a rural food distribution networka rural food distribution network
April 2010
Launched
Northeast Georgia
Locally Grown Market
Advantages
Less time / Labor relative to
traditional farmers markets
Less risk of waste (products are
presold)
Provides a year round market
Reach customers across broad region
Midweek market enhances freshness
Drop off locations create
opportunities for networking/
knowledge exchange
Market generates its own funds

35. Internet Based Farmers MarketInternet Based Farmers Market
a rural food distribution networka rural food distribution network
But itBut it’s central value is as a’s central value is as a CENTRALIZED MARKETPLACECENTRALIZED MARKETPLACE across aacross a
wide rural region. And as awide rural region. And as a DISTRIBUTION NETWORKDISTRIBUTION NETWORK..
Distribution pattern and driving routes of farms delivering to the Tiger andDistribution pattern and driving routes of farms delivering to the Tiger and
Clarkesville delivery locationsClarkesville delivery locations
Tiger pick upTiger pick up
Clarkesville pick upClarkesville pick up
Shuttle RunShuttle Run

36. Internet Based Farmers MarketInternet Based Farmers Market
a rural food distribution networka rural food distribution network
Distribution pattern and driving routes of farms delivering to the
Tiger and Clarkesville delivery locations.
DELIVERY MILES
Miles Saved w/ Shuttle per year 18,523
SAVINGS
Gas and Labor ($10/hr) SAVINGS $6,931.36
Less cost for SHUTTLE RUN $1,000.00
TOTAL SAVINGS $5,931.36
Delivery miles reduced and savings achieved through theDelivery miles reduced and savings achieved through the
distribution efficiency of a shuttle rundistribution efficiency of a shuttle run

37. Internet Based Farmers MarketInternet Based Farmers Market
a rural food distribution networka rural food distribution network
Once ADOPTEDOnce ADOPTED
ADAPTATIONS and IMPROVEMENTS will be made to insureADAPTATIONS and IMPROVEMENTS will be made to insure
improved performanceimproved performance
Most significant improvements
•Distribution Collaboratives
•Market standards

38. The Role of Farmers Network in InnovationThe Role of Farmers Network in Innovation
Serve two important rolesServe two important roles
•Provide aProvide a forum to exchange ideasforum to exchange ideas and techniquesand techniques ignored orignored or
marginalized by agricultural sciencemarginalized by agricultural science
– contribute to innovation exchange, adoption, adaptation or development.contribute to innovation exchange, adoption, adaptation or development.
• Networks also engage inNetworks also engage in COLLABORATIONSCOLLABORATIONS that can achievethat can achieve
social or economic goals farmers cannot achieve in isolation.social or economic goals farmers cannot achieve in isolation.
Knowledge NetworksKnowledge Networks
as opposed to Market Networksas opposed to Market Networks

39. The Role of Farmers Network in InnovationThe Role of Farmers Network in Innovation
• September 2011 – CNG awards $2,000 toSeptember 2011 – CNG awards $2,000 to
help spur ahelp spur a “farmer centered” NETWORK“farmer centered” NETWORK
• First meeting in January 2012First meeting in January 2012
• Formally becomes Georgia MountainsFormally becomes Georgia Mountains
Farmers NetworkFarmers Network

40. Farmer Get-Togethers
•6 since January 2012
•Farm tour, Potluck, Meeting
•Hosts openness builds trust in sharing information
•Knowledge may come from anyone not just the host
The Role of Farmers Network in InnovationThe Role of Farmers Network in Innovation
Innovation
Passive solar greenhouse with black painted
rainbarrels for thermal retention
Soaking Seeds
Spraying plants with worm casting tea
Mixing lettuce seeds
Cutting in a swale to divert water
Hoop Houses and Drip Tape
NRCS grants - high tunnels and irrigation
Use of an Earthway Seeder
CNG Tour Inspection
Specific occurrences of innovation
adoption from network interactionsDiffusion Analysis
•Farm Tours are excellent venue for info on
relative advantage, compatibility and
complexity.
•Most tangibly achieves Observability
•Value isn’t just to adoption, also stimulates
thinking that can lead to recombinations of
practices and new innovations.
• Adoption less related “opinion
leadership” of host farmer and
more to contextual relevance.
• Idea mobility across contexts
is a source of new innovation.

41. Networks build “collective” innovation capacity
The Role of Farmers Network in InnovationThe Role of Farmers Network in Innovation
Network Innovation Description
Holding a regional FARM TOUR for the public
Expanding Collaborative Markets to an
Adjacent Region
Utilizing Blog as Communication Tool
Obtaining Joint Product Insurance
Coordinating Bulk Orders
Sharing Equipment
CNG – Networker phone conferences
CNG – Webinars
Evidence of network innovations
developed as a product of network
interactions

42. ConclusionsConclusions
• Adoption is not the only process important to
agricultural innovations
• Adaptation and Development are vital
processes poorly studied within sustainable
agriculture
Relative Advantage
Benefits are numerous and immediate.
Compatibility Strong
Complexity
Relatively complex
• Requires specialized equipment
• Microbes are difficult / impossible to
measure
Trialability Strong. Most farms that had a trial adopted.
Observability Somewhat of a challenge
Relative Advantage
Benefits are numerous and immediate.
Compatibility Strong
Complexity
Relatively complex
• Requires specialized equipment
• Microbes are difficult / impossible to
measure
Trialability Strong. Most farms that had a trial adopted.
Observability Somewhat of a challenge
AdaptabilityAdaptability
Extent to which an innovation can be modified orExtent to which an innovation can be modified or
improved in order to better address theimproved in order to better address the
specific contexts, problems andspecific contexts, problems and
challenges in a settingchallenges in a setting

43. Conclusions pt.2Conclusions pt.2
• Innovations arise from adaptation and development
to new contexts and new problems.
• Focus should not be on farmer adoption, but how to
increase their capacity for adaptation and
development.
What does this study say about that?
Networks are a useful tool
• Increased interaction stimulates problem solving
• Networks serve different purposes
• LG and GMFN are the same people but meet for two
different purposes (market collaboration, and knowledge
exchange)

44. Conclusions pt.3Conclusions pt.3
• Innovations Inventory provides a valuable
diagnostic tool for identifying challenges receiving
farmer’s creative energies. (30% were non-
production oriented)
• Innovation Typology allows innovations to be
ranked by the challenges they address.
• Key Innovations Concept identifies innovations
with the greatest potential to enact change on
individual farms and throughout the food system.

45. Conclusions pt.4Conclusions pt.4
CASE STUDIES
•Production Innovations
• Greenhouses
• Compost Tea
• Cob Furnace / Basement Growing
• Biochar
•Marketing Innovations
• Locally Grown
•Networking Innovations
• Georgia Mountain Farmers Network
Innovations from outside the local food system
including research based innovations will continue to
be important, but do not play the only role.

46. Conclusions pt.3Conclusions pt.3
• New definition for Innovations
“the practical application of new ideas within the
unique social, ecological and capital contexts in
which they will be utilized”
• Research science will always be challenged to adapt
practices to these context specific conditions.
• Farmers are capable of developing their own
solutions to problems and are often best positioned
to ADAPT to context specific conditions.
• Future research will switch focus from adoption
processes to adaptation and development
processes and how to increase farmers own
capacities for innovation.