The use of networks to improve information flows between grower groups and researchers

In Western Australia, farmer-led farming systems groups (grower groups) are actively forming partnerships with other grower groups, researchers and private industry. As the broadacre grain and livestock farming system increases in complexity, existing partnerships may not be adequate and a new approach is needed. An organisational form that is designed to work in such complexity is the ‘network’. Grower group networks are able to create an environment where shared understanding and/or collective action is used to achieve outcomes where there are no readily available solutions. In 2002, the Grower Group Network project was established to support grower groups in a network to provide their members with access to the latest information and research. The organisation of farming systems groups into networks has made them more accessible and relevant to researchers. In this paper, a description of the role of grower groups and grower group networks can play in research projects is outlined, illustrated by case studies of successful partnerships. The most successful projects occur when farming systems groups and research providers develop and implement a new project together. Grower group networks are also a very effective means of delivering research outcomes as they can provide researchers with opportunities for impact well beyond partnerships with one or two grower groups. The paper concludes with a description of the future challenges for grower group networks.