Extension Networks and Dissemination of Horticultural Advancements: Development and Validation of a Professionalization Instrument

Horticulture is a vast scientific discipline ranging from ornamentals to consumable food, which constantly evolving. One of primary goals horticultural innovation improve consistency, and predictability, among products. Extension one the channels connecting innovations technologies growers. However, despite importance extension in dissemination advancements, there are no standards for professionalization networks. Therefore, current gap ability ensure consistency amongst providers through at network level. The goal study was develop validate an scale empirically measure most critical factors associated with within Methodologically, extends upon previous research identified specific capacities Specifically, exploratory factor analysis undertaken examine latent structure previously items. results this two networks: (a) awareness need professionalization, (b) operational integration activities organizational levels. Although existing literature examining such instruments specifically developed context. present provides original novel tool prepare more rigorously consistently trained professionals serve support horticulture industry.