Grower Groups and the Transformation of Agricultural Research and Extension in Australia

Abstract

Over the past two decades, farmer-led grower groups have become increasingly important contributors to research and extension in Australia. This article draws on the case study of community-based grower groups in Western Australia, where a network of groups have emerged as central players in the state’s research and extension landscape. This article attempts to better understand how the groups operate to effectively impact, the extent and depth of their participation, their ability to build industry networks, and also some limitations associated with the community-based model. This article demonstrates that grower groups have become a highly effective contributor to farmer’s research and extension needs and play an important role in brokering linkages between different actors within rural industry. However, the model is not without limitations, is heavily reliant on volunteer input and goodwill on the part of farmers, and is facing increasing “internalized” competition as a result of the rapid growth of groups.