Assessment of current and future needs for entomological extension in agriculture in Alberta

Abstract

Recent changes to the structure of agricultural extension in Alberta have raised concerns about the effectiveness and efficiency of the system. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of the current agricultural extension system to identify opportunities for growth and collaboration. Extension professionals need to understand the priorities of producers, the effectiveness of different extension efforts, and the best modes of communication for efficient exchange of information and technology. This project uses scientific surveys targeted at producers and extension professionals to better understand their priorities, needs, and preferences for entomological information, as well as the pest management issues and opportunities they face. The cost and the loss of chemical controls were identified as the worst pest management issues, while extension issues were viewed as less severe to both producers and extension professionals. In addition to expected pest control priorities, producers also valued conservation of beneficial insects. Producers trusted both traditional communication methods and digital ones but use and trust of resources were not always aligned. Extension professionals reported that funding, accessibility, and coordination of extension efforts were the biggest barriers to extension in the province. Results of this project provide insights into potential opportunities to improve extension in Alberta. In addition, a visual map of online entomology extension efforts in Alberta was created to help extension users find information they need.