NEW ROLE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND ADVISORY SERVICES BASED ON CURRENT FINDINGS AND FURTHER COLLABORATION FOR IMPROVED NUTRITION

Abstract

Nowadays, there are a number of projects tackling on challenges around which thisstudy is based. For instance, the ultimate goal of the current project SKIN is tocreate a permanent stakeholders’ association on short food supply chain (SFSC)that works on the joint economic growth of the agricultural sector through theexchange of local food practices and through coaching sessions stimulatinginnovation. It creates a European network of best practices in SFSC that addressesthe fragmentation of knowledge in the agricultural sector and supports bottom-upinnovation initiatives. No doubts, boosting innovation through that project in localareas will lead to economic growth in the regions. But, for its sustainabledevelopment, it is crucial to create the agricultural extension and advisory services(AEAS), particularly in EU countries and also to modify their role using bottom-upapproaches. Despite the fact that the role of AEAS in the EU countries istransforming in the last few years, from a technology transfer paradigm to ademand-driven model, there are still two challenges that should be tackled in theglobal agenda: 1) facilitate linking of local agricultural sector and nutrition; 2)build a sustainable network of advisors in the EU for improving knowledge flowsin national and regional agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (AKIS).According also to the findings of the SKIN project and to our recently developedconcept (FENIX), the launch of new initiatives will enable AEAS by gathering of alarge amount of information and knowledge from local areas and population,helping all types of stakeholders to improve health, environmental, and economicsectors in targeted regions.