Facilitating an effective information supply chain from R&D providers through agribusiness advisers to growers

Earlier research by the author indicated that although agribusiness was emerging as a key conduit for transfer of research and development outputs and outcomes to end users such as growers, little strategic engagement appears to exist between agribusiness and Research and Development providers (RDCs). The objective of this project was to focus on development of a central point of access to R&D outputs that would meet the priorities of RDCs and agribusiness with resulting benefits for growers. Additional research was conducted to identify issues and common factors between stakeholders affecting the development of an effective information supply chain. There are differences between the environments in which agribusiness and RDCs operate, which could inhibit future engagement. Collaboration between RDCs and agribusiness on development of an appropriate supply chain was suggested as an effective means to both facilitate stakeholder access to R&D information, and foster engagement. A Working Group of RDC stakeholders concluded that the commercial entity FarmPlus would be an effective central access point for R&D information. An effective supply chain solution is based on three key learnings: 1. R&D outcomes must be reported by RDCs in terms that are relevant to agribusiness and growers; 2. agribusiness is an effective conduit for both outputs from R&D organisations to growers, and inputs back in to R&D priorities through a feedback loop; and 3. Terms of trade that exist between RDCs and agribusiness need to be understood and acknowledged to foster appropriate engagement.