Farmers play a very important role in GFAR, given the central role they play in both technology generation and technology utilisation. The GFAR Secretariat has been discussing with IFAP a possible way of developing a common strategic agenda, that could be of interest to farmers in the context of responding to the challenges and opportunities that characterise the globalized and science-intensive environment of the 21st century. Similar activities will also be developed with Via Campesina and other regional farmers¿ associations.
The farmers¿ group that met in Dresden on the occasion of the GFAR 2000 Conference
supports the work of GFAR to strengthen networking and partnerships among stakeholders of
the global agricultural research system. It is essential to consider the research system in its
globality, encompassing farmers, researchers, extension workers, policy makers, and other
civil society organizations
The Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) is a stakeholder-led initiative established in 1996 that seeks to promote cost-effective partnerships and strategic alliances among the key players involved in agricultural research for development (ARD).
The proposal on Strengthening the Participation of Farmers' Organizations and of
Non-Governmental Organisations in the Global Agenda of Agricultural Research for
Development was the subject of a three-week electronic discussion among
stakeholders.
In general, the proposal was found to be interesting as it was responsive to the
capacity building needs of farmers' and non-government organizations (FOs and
NGOs) in facilitating the involvement in the research process. The project's
The workshop on biotechnology is the result of cooperation between Asian Farmers Network (ASFARNET) and International Service for Acquisition of Agric-biotech Applications (ISAAA).
Workshop on Biotechnology Promotion and Exchange on Agricultural was held on November 28 ¿ December 1, 2004 in Hotel Salak, Bogor. In this workshop, various discussions and material presentations were given by experts on biotechnology. Also conducted, numerous field observations to Biotechnology Research Center in Cimanggu ¿ Bogor and network Culture Company in Cikupa ¿ Banten.
The discussion focused on farmer and Farmer¿s Organisation participation in Agricultural Research, particularly with the breakdown of the Researcher-Extension Worker-Farmer triangle. A strong outcome of the meeting was the suggestions with regards to rebuilding the researcher- scientist relationship so that farmers can ensure that research is user- oriented and relevant to their needs.