KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER ON ORGANIC PRODUCTION FOR SUSTAINABLE AND ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE IN SERBIA
Nataša Tolimir, Slavica Čolić, Marijana Maslovarić, Vedran Tomić, Snežana Janković, Slađan Stanković, Divna Simić
Abstracts
The transfer of scientific knowledge in the field of organic production is a prerequisite for the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture, particularly in countries where this type of production is still emerging. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the results of agricultural advisor training in organic production from 2019, as well as the methods used to transfer acquired knowledge from advisors to agricultural producers during the period 2020- 2024. The analysis of advisor training data included both quantitative and qualitative indicators, enabling assessment of the scope and dynamics, content and quality of the training, as well as knowledge improvement and evaluation of applicability. The analysis of subsequent knowledge transfer from advisors to producers included quantitative indicators, such as the number of advisory educational activities conducted and the number of participating producers. The results of the advisor training show a high level of participant satisfaction (average score 4.65 out of 5), significant improvement in participants’ knowledge (38.38%), and a high level of practical applicability of the training (average score 4.87 out of 5), confirming the relevance of the content and the adequacy of the educational methods used. The results of knowledge transfer from advisors to producers indicate a systematic and diverse approach to training - lectures, workshops, panel discussions, winter schools, and demonstration farms - as well as active producer participation, evidenced by a total of 19,895 participants. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that agricultural advisor training has strengthened the capacities of the advisory service and, in a broader context, has enhanced the efficiency of scientific knowledge transfer to producers, representing an important foundation for the long-term development of organic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly agriculture in Serbia.
Keywords
Education, Advisors, Producers, Transfer of scientific knowledge, Organic production
Acknowledgment
The paper was created as a result of the research within the agreement for the implementation and financing of scientific research work in 2025 between the Institute for the Application of Science in Agriculture, Belgrade, and the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia, contract number: 451-03-136/2025-03/200045.
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