On-farm experimentation practices and associated farmer-researcher relationships: a systematic literature review

Abstract

The convergence among the rise of digital technologies, the attention paid to the localized issues of transitions in practices toward agroecology, and the emergence of new open innovation models are renewing and reviving the scientific community’s interest in on-farm experimentation (OFE). This form of experimentation is claimed to be enhanced by digital tools as well as being an enabler of production of credible, salient, and legitimate science insofar as it embraces a farmer-centric perspective. However, the forms of research in which some experimental activities on farms are anchored vary greatly, notably with regard to the actual forms that interventions on farms take, the legitimacy of the actors involved and their roles, or the observations and instruments applied for interpretation. We propose a systematic review of the literature and an analytical framework in order to better understand this diversity of practices behind on-farm experimentation. Our analysis segregated six major publication clusters based on themes appearing in titles and abstracts. These themes guided a more in-depth analysis of representative articles, from which we identified seven types of OFE practices that are described and discussed here with regard to the knowledge targeted, roles of the various actors, and on-farm experimental space. Our typology provides an original basis for supporting reflexivity and building alignment between the above-mentioned dimensions and the ways in which new tools can support the experimental process.

Perspective of US farmers on collaborative on‐farm agronomic research

“…This suggests that although some farmers may be skeptical, most tend to be open to partnering with universities to conduct research activities on their farms. This willingness for collaboration highlights the potential for productive interactions between farmers and researchers (Adamsone‐Fiskovica & Grivins, 2022; Toffolini & Jeuffroy, 2022). Further exploration of this aspect could provide value for improvement in fostering more robust partnerships between farmers and research institutions in the United States while serving as a model example for other regions across the globe.…”

Diversification for sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape systems

“…While a consistent framework and definition of diversification are lacking (Hufnagel et al 2020), research on diversification is increasing (Alletto et al 2022), and with these, documentation of the on-farm experiences with diversification (Reckling and Grosse 2022;Toffolini and Jeuffroy 2022). Diversification is understood to have agro-ecological, technological, environmental, organizational, governance, marketing and trade elements, and impacts.…”