Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture

Development and Extension (D&E)

In 2010, TIAR completed a review of its Development and Extension services aimed at continuous improvement and innovation into the future [Link to D&E Review]. The review led to an implementation plan in which TIAR developed interpretations of each recommendation to enable staff to further develop and own the implementation.

A D&E Convenor (0.6 FTE) was appointed in late March, 2011 according to the implementation plan. The role of the Convenor is to coordinate D&E staff and resources to enable RD&E projects that are fit for purpose, use contemporary approaches and are grounded in appropriate relationships and effective partnerships [Link to ‘new’ TIAR programs vision when it is confirmed].

Development (D) encompasses a range of processes that contribute to the application of research and knowledge from a range of sources. It is the testing, adaptation and “proof of concept†which provides a pathway leading to improved industry outcomes. Development also has a significant facilitatory component to encourage industry growth, profitability and sustainability through collaboration involving industry knowledge, industry and market intelligence, industry networks and contacts. Development and extension are processes that merge and intimately support one another. 

Extension (E) is the process of enabling change in individuals, communities and industries involved in the primary industries sector and with natural resource management (http://www.seln.org.au).  It is the communication and learning activities that empower rural people to make decisions that improve the efficiency of agriculture, as well as improvements to the living, social and educational standards of rural communities.  Extension builds capacity and capability, develops both skills and knowledge and supports their application.