Building Agricultural Innovation Capacity Through Spillover Effects

Agricultural innovation projects, such as the hemp operational group in Germany’s Werra-Meissner district, generate measurable spillover effects across Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) in resources, skills, networks, and institutions. The project, active since 2016, involved nine core farmers, a hemp processor, and a regional development NGO. It enhanced local expertise in hemp production and processing, improved project management and funding application skills, strengthened collaboration among farmers, officials, and businesses, and contributed to legal and institutional reforms supporting innovation. The study highlights the importance of monitoring AIS spillovers and applying normative evaluation standards at the programme level.