SUPPORTING LEARNING FOR ORGANIC INNOVATION Annie Perkins, Rebecca Raider Groundwork Associates, Robin & Annick Janson, Ecosynergy Group Ltd. Corresponding author: annie@groundworkassociates.co.nz Organic producers are undoubtedly innovative. The growers and farmers themselves are a leading source of knowledge about cutting-edge organic methods. This has significance for how those working in the sector support and guide farmers and growers learning about organics. To grow and maintain thriving organic sector, two key objectives exist for extension efforts: to attract new farmers and growers to organics, and to further support organic producers to learn and develop innovative systems. Though many have been working independently, leaders in organic education, facilitation and farming across New Zealand possess a significant base of know-how about ways to meet those objectives creatively. This knowledge and leadership has been developed further through OAP-supported projects over the last three years. Last year, many of these leaders came together in a series of workshops to share their experiences in helping others learn about organics. Funded by the OANZ Organic Advisory Programme (OAP), the workshops were led by facilitators Annie Perkins and Sue Cumberworth. This presentation will summarise key lessons that emerged from those workshops. It will share the collective expertise of local organic leaders, their successes and challenges and their stories of what has worked best in different sectors and regions to help farmers and growers enter organics and further their knowledge.

In this part of the page we'll add the kind of specific actions farmers can take to aid learning. It is important to capture, understand and build upon lessons gained from past organic extension projects to effectively support future organic innovation.