WP3 Geo-referenced Inventory and Map

The James Hutton Institute (HUT) will lead a process involving all partners (particularly CRR – WP2 leader) and AgriDemoF2F which co-develops an analytical framework and template for data collection, based on the conceptual framework from WP2. This will specify the data to be collected on individual on-farm demonstrations and networks of demonstration farms, as well as explanatory notes that explain terms and categories. This methodology will detail which activities fall within the scope of the inventory, methods for data collection (e.g. web search, key informant interviews, on-line survey, existing databases), and ways in which data can be accessed and stored (informed consent, data protection and ethical issues). Data sources are expected to include PRO AKIS inventory, LEADER groups, EIP Agri focus and operational groups, and national rural networks (NRNs).

The inventory framework will include (at minimum): topic and sector, relevant non-sectoral themes (e.g. supply chain, energy saving, care farming); aims and objectives of demonstration activity; geographic location and farm characteristics; governance, commissioning, funding, duration of activities, accessibility and recruitment (e.g. gender, age, employee types); and associated 'virtual' demonstration approaches (web-sites and social media such as facebook pages).

The draft template will be pilot tested by HUT, GQP, VIN, and FiBL on a subset of demonstration activities, to test fitness for purpose and allow for revision. Amendments will be discussed with consortium members, and validated with the IAB to produce a final version of the template and explanatory notes. Members of both consortia will be trained in data collection at the joint second consortium meeting, hosted by HUT.

PLAID will work with AgriDemoF2F to design a database to match the categories in the template. Filters will be created that allow the database to be searched for a particular subset of information (e.g. demonstration activities on livestock initiated by farmers themselves). AgriDemoF2F will produce a clickable map using a google maps overlay to locate on-farm demonstration activities and the organisations/networks which undertake demonstration activities. This task is undertaken during the pilot phase and prior to full inventory data collection to ensure that data collected in suitable form for the database.

PLAID and AgriDemoF2F will take responsibility for conducting the inventory in the countries which are represented in their consortium. In cases where there are partners in both consortiums from the same country (e.g. Belgium, UK, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland) those partners will collaborate to develop a joint strategy for conducting the inventory in that country. In countries which are not represented in either consortium, PLAID will take responsibility for the national inventories. Each consortium member will be responsible for data collection in their own countries.

• HUT will conduct the inventory in the UK, and oversee subcontracts in Germany, Finland, Lithuania and Malta.
• GQP will conduct the inventory in Poland, and oversee subcontracts in Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Estonia.
• VIN will conduct the inventory in Italy, Portugal, and Slovenia
• ACTA will conduct the inventory for France and Luxembourg
• AgriDemoF2F will be responsible for inventories in Greece, Austria, Ireland, Sweden and Denmark

National inventories will be compiled in database form, and all partners and subcontractors will provide supporting text summarising data collection activities, summary statistics, an overview of national governance and financing mechanisms, and patterns in topics, location and access (particularly gender). HUT, GQP and VIN are responsible for quality checking data before integration into the database. Contents will be validated with NSCGs. Training will be provided to EUFRAS (via ISP) to enable ongoing up-dating of the inventory after the project concludes.

Each team will be responsible to produce short information notes (length dependent on country size and complexity of governance structures) and an A1 poster summarising the demonstration activities in their assigned countries. ACTA will ensure user friendliness and production of summaries in English and associated native languages. These will be linked to the database and used at events to raise awareness of its potential as a search and networking tool. They will also be formatted into practice abstracts for submission to the EIP Agri database.

Supra-regional summaries: HUT, GQP and VIN will produce summaries for Northern, Eastern and Southern Europe respectively. HUT will produce an overall synthesis report. These reports will, for example, compare farmer-initiated to institutionally initiated demonstration activities; identify gaps in topics and access; identify different governance mechanisms and explore differences between different parts of Europe. This overall report will also be formulated into four page, plain language summary produced in four languages.

Supraregional meetings: PLAID and AgriDemoF2F consortium members, subcontractors, IAB and participants in data collection will be invited to supraregional meetings hosted by HUT, VIN and GPQ where outputs are presented, to further validate, disseminate and promote of the database and map.