Web-based outreach for orchard management decision-makers

• Online information transfer is needed to supplement extension education programs.
• The project website and videos increased in popularity over time.
• Social media proved to be impractical and unpopular with stakeholders.
• OPENED is an interactive database of pesticide effects on natural enemies.
• Online decision tools are available to give more sustainable management choices.

The traditional role of extension has been to provide the bridge between research-generated knowledge and technology to stakeholders through instruction, practical demonstrations, and developing applications of existing, improved or novel practices and technology. However, the number of educators and extension specialists has been decreasing and their roles changing, while stakeholder groups have become more dependent on timely information to cope with rapid changes in management programs. These circumstances necessitate a change in the way information delivery occurs. A key component of the outreach objective in this project was to develop web-based tools to speed the dissemination of research information to decision-makers. Web-based outreach is intended to supplement, but not replace, extension personnel. Hands-on training and direct interaction with the stakeholders is still necessary to insure that relevant information is not just delivered but understood. Here we discuss how our web-based outreach integrates with traditional training as well as other digital information sources available into the future.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide