Farmer-to-farmer networks and knowledge transfer: An evaluation of the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association listserv
Abstract
An evaluation was completed of the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association (VVBGA) listserv, a communication tool utilized by farmers, academics, extension professionals, and agency professionals across Vermont. Ten farmers were interviewed on their experiences being a participant on the listserv, how it has impacted their farming operation, and suggestions for how it can be improved. We concluded that the listserv has allowed for community-building and the easy transfer of farmer-to-farmer generated knowledge, with an emphasis on farmers receiving timely, reliable, and applicable information from their peers. Recommendations for improvement focused on accessibility of technology.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Michele Commercio
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Public Communication
Primary Research Category
Social Science
Farmer-to-farmer networks and knowledge transfer: An evaluation of the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association listserv
An evaluation was completed of the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association (VVBGA) listserv, a communication tool utilized by farmers, academics, extension professionals, and agency professionals across Vermont. Ten farmers were interviewed on their experiences being a participant on the listserv, how it has impacted their farming operation, and suggestions for how it can be improved. We concluded that the listserv has allowed for community-building and the easy transfer of farmer-to-farmer generated knowledge, with an emphasis on farmers receiving timely, reliable, and applicable information from their peers. Recommendations for improvement focused on accessibility of technology.
