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Calls for increased farmer involvement in research and extension programs have been numerous and well supported. One approach to integrate the collective knowledge and experience of scientists and farmers is through whole farm case studies (WFCS). An interdisciplinary team of 34 research and extension personnel at Oregon and Washington State Universities conducted WFCS of 16 vegetable and small fruit farms.
The WFCS process proved useful in developing an interdisciplinary team, and the vast majority of team members stated they would consider using the WFCS approach again; but the primary constraint cited was the amount of time required. Team members gained a better understanding of the complexity of farms and identified areas requiring further research. Farmers stated they enjoyed participating and discovered new information that will assist them in managing their fanning systems. Farmer-developed innovations were identified that are useful to other farmers and to the research process.
Minnesota has a long history of strong citizen involvement in environmental, community development, economic development, and human rights issues. Therefore, it is not surprising there are many individuals, organizations, communities, and educational institutions in Minnesota actively involved in the sustainable agriculture debate. The challenge we face is how to help these strong forces work in collaboration to solve rural problem s.
In 1990 representatives of five community-based organizations and the U of M agreed to form the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) to be housed at the University and governed by a board of community and University representatives. The purpose of MISA is to bring farmers and other sustainable agriculture community interests together with University administrators, educators, researchers, and students in a cooperative effort to undertake innovative, agenda-setting programs that might not otherwise be pursued in the state.