Development of innovative farming systems by a network of farmers and the production of advisory resources

To cope with change and adapt to the challenges of sustainable development, farmers are innovating on their own initiative in the field of cropping systems. In order to identify and capitalise on this innovation, a methodology has been developed and tested by the partners of the RMT Innovative Farming Systems network within their experimental network and within Ecophyto 2018’s FERME 2010 network. It involves determining whether the cropping system piloted and managed by the farmer is original in the sense that it meets the objectives set by the network, and then assessing whether this original system is effective from an economic, environmental and social perspective.

This approach involves first identifying the main cropping systems within the farm’s crop rotation, then selecting the cropping system(s) to be studied, whilst identifying the associated plots. The system is described through a summary of the cultivation practices within the rotation (the farming system in use), with a dual focus on (i) their compliance with the specifications, and (ii) their economic, environmental and social performance, assessed using a multi-criteria approach. Finally, the rules for steering and managing the cropping system are formalised in the decision-making framework.

Innovative cropping systems, which are original and high-performing (Meynard, 2012), provide resources to support the work of agricultural advisers. They are presented in the form of a six-page summary. As well as renewing working methods within farmers’ networks, this work opens up prospects for the development of new skills and re-examines support mechanisms for innovative and sustainable agriculture.