What was the challenge/problem addressed?
The use of alternative crops in crop rotation is imperative in times of climate change. The role of hemp as a plant suitable for adaptation to climate change and for the protection of agricultural resources has not yet been fully evaluated in practical. The project will contribute to the dissemination of technological know-how between farmers and experts and will provide new knowledge and data on the usefulness of hemp for soil improvement, water protection, carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. Incorporating hemp into crop rotation can mean greater resilience and security of the farm in times of climate change and will also contribute to conservation of natural resources.
How did you solve the problem?
We are solving the practical issues with a collaboration of researchers, advisors, farmers
and hemp coop. We are conducting filed trials to get the results the farmers need to fill-in
the gap in the hemp production knowledge. Results are every year disseminated among
partners and accordingly new trials are designed upon them for upgrade. The existing
know how is transferred to farmers outside the project partnership through workshops,
lectures, excursions and visiting good practices.
What is innovative in your practical case?
We are improving technological processes in hemp production and transferring new
practices, knowhow from abroad to our farmers.
What are the success factors in solving the problem?
First of all, the understanding of the problem is important to set the goals and results you
want to achieve. Detailed planning is next. Active, prompt and continuous collaboration
and communication among partners throughout the project. You have to be flexible
because of quick changes and dependence also on natural circumstances which you
cannot control (example: weather, illnesses…). The project has to have an appropriate
budget for all partners and budget and work process have to be monitored by the leading
partner all the time.
Lessons learned
Choose your partners carefully, upgrade social skills, have a fair relationship with evaluators,
stimulate partners with good mood, their own responsibilities and money (budget), nature is
unpredictable – take it to the account, more time is usually needed than you plan it, farmers
need administrative help and monitoring.
What role does the advisor or advisory service play with the practical case?
In our case advisors are responsible for the trial implementation on the farms in their region
(1 advisory service has one farm). They are in continuous contact with the farmer, they are
preparing the trials together with farmers and research partner, they monitor the trials,
prepare reports and help farmer with administrative burden. They are also disseminating
project activities and results to other farmers, other advisors and general public through
workshops, articles, radio, TV etc.
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)
2
For sharing the experience on the good practice, please contact
- Tamara KOROŠEC
SVETOVALEC SPECIALIST I/ CONSULTANT SPECIALIST I Projektno raziskovalna enota/Project and Research Department Kmetijsko gozdarska zbornica Slovenije | Slovene Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry Kmetijsko gozdarski zavod Maribor |Institute of Agriculture
Link to external information
https://www.facebook.com/EIPKONOPLJA/about
Youtube
https://youtu.be/-lke9nRybJg