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Farmer-to-Farmer Networks and Knowledge Transfer: An Evaluation of the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association Listserv
Hutson, Amanda
Hutson, Amanda
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Abstract
Understanding how knowledge transfer occurs in the agricultural community can help researchers collaborate with farmers to implement new practices. Previous research has been conducted largely through university extension services. However, in the last two decades, an increasing interest in research that actively engages farmers, and farmer-to-farmer information networks, have both been found to positively impact agricultural knowledge transfer. In the following paper, I utilize data from ten interviews that I conducted with farmers to evaluate the impact of the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association (VVBGA) listserv. The listserv was established in late 2008 by Dr. Vern Grubinger of University of Vermont Extension as a communication tool for Vermont’s agricultural community. My findings suggest that the listserv functions as a source of timely, applicable information from trusted peers and as a mechanism for community-building. Farmers attributed the listserv’s success to its simplicity, sense of mutual respect, and appreciation for farmer-generated knowledge. Proposed improvements of the listserv highlight the accessibility of the archives, the navigability of the VVBGA website, and the utilization of the listserv for more community engagement. Based on the listserv’s success, future research should be done on the implementation of listservs in farming communities.
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2025-01-01
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