What was the challenge/problem addressed?

Growing winter rapeseed in Finland is challenging. Many varieties do not survive over winter, when the temperature is often below zero with lots of snow, so it is important to find those that can. In Denmark, Sweden and Estonia, winter rapeseed has already made a breakthrough. So, the challenge is to find varieties of  winter rapeseed that will thrive in Finland.

How did you solve the problem?

Finland’s own winter rapeseed experiments have been limited. These experiments may not end up as results because the varieties do not survive over winter. The varieties used in the general experiments may also be old. However, it is easy to experiment with different varieties on your own farm. An area the size of a crop protection sprayer is easy to measure in practice. While solving the problem, different methods were developed to collect, analyze and publish data about winter rapeseed.

What is innovative in your practical case?

Winter rapeseed is profitable because its yield potential is significantly higher than that of spring oilseeds. In addition, winter oilseeds avoid the serious pest problems that hamper spring oilseed crops and reduce yields. However, winter damage to winter rapeseed can be extensive and unpredictable. It is therefore important to find varieties with good winter hardiness. Successful varieties have now been found and they are commercially available.

Innovative in this case has also been the actions of the pioneer farmer. He has actively tackled the challenge himself, making use of international networks (pioneer farmers in Denmark, Sweden and Estonia) and participating in a national project to share knowledge and thus develop the whole sector in Finland.

 

What are the success factors in solving the problem?

The farmer’s initiative and perseverance helped him to find successful varieties of winter rapeseed for his farm. The success of oilseeds in Finland is important, which is why this has been supported by a large-scale national project. Through the oilseed project, information about good varieties and the cultivation techniques to ensure successful wintering have been disseminated.

Lessons learned

The traditional roles of an advisor giving advice to a farmer and a farmer being the less knowledged party, do not always apply. In this case the pioneer farmer ended up training advisors about the findings he gathered about winter rapeseed. Roles need to be flexible in order to innovate!

What role does the advisor or advisory service play with the practical case?

The pioneer farmer has received support and assistance for his experiments from different sources. He started his first winter rapeseed experiments with a few varieties out of his own interest. By networking at international events, he was able to get new seeds for new experiments. As the experiments expanded, a few seed companies and suppliers of plant protection products became involved. The advisory services have joined in the innovative process at a point where the experiments were already well under way. Through an advisory service organization, the farmer joined the national oilseed project, which provided funding for accurate measurements of the crops. The measurement results were published as part of the project and brought to the attention of the wider farming community. The pioneer farmer is also involved in training advisors.

Can your approach be transferred and/or adapted for other innovation challenges and regions?

Yes

Estimated transferability on a scale from 1 to 5

(where 1 is easy and 5 very difficult)

4

 

For sharing the experience on the good practice, please contact

Risto Tupi

+358500593080

Link to external information

https://rypsirapsi.fi/