The Irish Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) Coordination Group (CG) plays a vital role in streamlining information exchange, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical on-farm adoption. To address systemic challenges and foster multi-actor collaboration across the agri-food sector, the group has convened five targeted meetings.
The first meeting was held in DAFM’s Backweston Campus in Kildare in December 2023. The meeting topic was “Assessing the Irish AKIS” and discussions and workshops focused on mapping the strengths and weaknesses of Ireland's overall knowledge transfer landscape. Key takeaways highlighted the vital role of trust between farmers and advisors, the need to reduce system fragmentation and cut jargon, and a requirement to shift away from top-down knowledge sharing.
The second meeting, also in Backweston, in September 2024, focused on the theme of “Expanding Reach of Irish AKIS”. The Coordination Group examined methods to connect with hard-to-reach farmers operating outside traditional advisory networks. Takeaways emphasised tailored outreach for older, ‘offline’ farmers, clear, context-specific communication, and expanding farmer-to-farmer learning and demonstration days.
The third meeting was held in January 2025 at AgTechUCD on Lyons Farm in Celbridge. The theme was “AgriTech & Data Integration”, and the meeting explored how digital tools can drive sustainability. Discussions stressed that data-driven decision-making (leveraging tools like AgNav for baseline metrics) must translate into practical farm actions rather than added paperwork burdens.
After the first 3 meetings, the AKIS CG pivoted toward targeted sectoral focused meetings to discuss how to improve Knowledge Transfer. The fourth meeting was held in Teagasc Grange in October 2025 and focused on “Improving Knowledge Transfer in the Beef Sector”. The meeting focused on identifying how to improve the uptake of solutions to the sectors challenges.Key insights identified time availability as the primary hurdle for part-time beef farmers, stressed that traditional knowledge transfer channels like physical media and in-person meetings remain necessary so digital tools do not leave farmers behind, and called for stronger research links for private advisors.
The fifth AKIS CG meeting focused on “Improving Knowledge Transfer in the Sheep Sector” and it was held in Teagasc Athenry in February 2026. Again, the discussions and workshop focused on how to improve the uptake of solutions to the sectors challenges. Key takeaways focused on replacing complex technical jargon with benefit-led communication, moving beyond "checkbox" scheme compliance, easing administrative loads for part-time operators, and establishing peer-led "Champion Farmer" networks.
The AKIS Coordination Group is currently assessing what its priority focus should be for the remainder of the current CAP period to ensure it achieves a tangible improvement in knowledge flows from research to advisory and to practice. Keep up to date with the CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub to find out more.