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LIB: stimulate innovation on farm level
Published on 02 July 2018
Netherlands
Drenthe
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The LIB instrument (Agricultural Innovation Agency) (co)finance innovations on the farm level and establishes a network of agricultural innovators in Brabant. An agricultural innovation project can get limited funding from LIB. In this way, LIB can co-finance a lot of innovation projects. LIB has been working in this way for more than 20 years and has developed a big network of people (farmers and others) who are active in agricultural innovations in the Brabant area. To stimulate this network LIB organizes four times a year a thematic network day. They invite interesting speakers, give the stage to recently develop projects and offer a networking moment for the attendees.
Resources needed
LIB is financed by the Province of North Brabant (500.000 euro) & ZLTO (250.000) annually. There is 1 person (1fte.) working for LIB who is the face of LIB, in charge of developing & maintaining the network. In addition, a staff member of the Province is working as a secretary for the LIB (0.2 fte.)
Evidence of success
For more than 20 years LIB stimulates innovation on the farm level. Some of them are small innovations on the farm level and some of them lead to real fundamental changes. Each year about 40 projects are being approved. In each project, there are always several people (farmers, scientist, food processing company’s, chefs, etc.) working together. On average you might say 4 people per project. Each year LIB boosts the agrifood innovation in Brabant with an impulse of about 4 million euro.
Potential for learning or transfer
As a piece of advice, we would suggest not to focus on building an organization but rather appoint the right person who is approachable, has some coaching skills and is great in networking. Furthermore, the sum awarded for each project shouldn't be very high (LIB has a maximum of 25.000 euro) and these projects should always be co-funded. Lastly, try not to create too many formal requirements for the applicants.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Province of North Brabant
Netherlands
Noord-Brabant
Contact
Policy advisor agrofood