ISHS Acta Horticulturae 672: IV International Symposium on Horticultural Education, Extension and Training
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN FINANCING THE FLORICULTURAL DEPARTMENT OF THE ISRAELI EXTENSION SERVICE |
| Author: | D. Wolfson |
| Keywords: | extension finance, on-farm visits, farmers, budget cuts, government |
| Abstract:
Israel is characterized by topographical variations and a wide range of soils, enabling the growing and raising of a variety of crops and animals. A large increase in population immediately after gaining independence in 1948, required a rapid increase in food production, followed by development of research and extension facilities and services. In recent years Israel, like many other countries, has faced difficulties in continuing to supply the level of services it previously provided. This difficulty led agricultural organizations to begin assuming the responsibility of partially financing extension for a few years, and later on trying to reflect the cost onto the farmers. Farmers are apparently willing to pay for on-farm extension visits. This paper describes a financing system introduced in 2003 jointly by the Floriculture Department of the Extension Service and the Flower Board. Under this system, the Flower Board is financing many public extension activities and charging the farmer for partial costs of on-farm visits. This system operates successfully, aided by reports that are filed electronically by agents all over Israel to the Floriculture Department Head Office, and from the Head Office to the Flower Board. Advantages of the new system are: a tremendous increase in agent-to-farmer commitment; the professional level of agents remains at least the same as before; the financial situation of the majority of agents is better than before. The disadvantage is some farmers are consuming less extension than before. | |
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