Technology Evaluation and Development (TED)
Sub-Program
Centered at Agriculture Canada's Harrow, Ontario, Research Station,
this project provided funding for the development, adaption, evaluation
and the opportunity for validation of new or untested technology related
to soil productivity and to phosphorus and chemical movement from cropland
to water systems. The areas covered under soil productivity included soil
and water conservation cropping, conservation planting, conservation tillage
equipment, and soil drainage. Where possible, it was conducted with the
co-operation of farmers under commercial farm conditions.
Overview and Synthesis:
SWEEP Report #61 presented an overview of the TED
sub-program and a synthesis of the research conducted. Extracts of
this report are provided as follows:
Responsibility: Federal Government
Budget: $6.8 Million (TED + FLEA)
- $6,139,700 spent
Original Sub-Program
Description:
- To develop, test and evaluate new technologies that might be used to
address water quality and soil productivity issues and phosphorus movement
cropland to water systems.
- To determine suitability, adoptability and economic viability of new
technologies for commercial farmers that have high probability for success
on commercial farms.
- Activities to address:
- Conservation cropping, planting and tillage equipment.
- Soil drainage and integrated pest management related to chemical movement
to water systems, under commercial farm conditions with commercial farmers.
- Funding will support development and implementation of individual projects,
compensation for co-operating farmers, preparation of reports and communication
of results.
Contractor: Ecological Services For Planning, Guelph,
Ontario
Background:
The Technology Evaluation and Development
(TED) Subprogram of the Soil and Water Environmental
Enhancement Program (SWEEP) ran from February of 1987 until September
of 1992. This final report presents a summary of the subprogram.
The TED program was successful in responding to the research priorities
identified during a detailed planning process. The planned research was
implemented and completed on budget and on schedule making efficient use
of a range of research capabilities throughout the province. The available
research funds were equitably distributed between research institutions,
such as the University of Guelph and the private sector. A number of productive
joint ventures between research institutions, private sector contractors
and active farmers were encouraged and supported Regular review of the program
progress with the Technical Advisory Panel resulted in modifications and
research enhancements which improved the focus and overall achievement of
the program objectives. Communication of research results and opportunity
for input was provided to a wide range of interest through the use of Progress
Summary Bulletins and research conferences.
The TED subprogram of SWEEP was conceived, developed and delivered as
a cooperative venture between farmers, research scientists and administrative
personnel. Any success which the TED subprogram achieved was due to the
tremendous cooperation of individuals within these different groups.
Of the 53 research projects funded by TED, 21 (40%) were awarded in response
to the formal Request for Proposal procedure, while 32 (60%) were awarded
as a result of unsolicited proposals. Work conducted as a result of unsolicited
proposals had to be justified by a demonstrated need for the knowledge which
the work would provide.
The TED subprogram was given a mandate to focus on research conducted
at the farm scale. Nearly 78% of all the research money spent during the
TED subprogram was spent on projects which were conducted on viable commercial
farms. In addition, an additional 5.5% of the research money was spent on
studies which used a combination of farm and research station resources.
Two hundred and thirty-five farmers were directly contacted through the
TED program. Of these 235 individuals, 148 were directly involved in some
component of the TED research. One of the first projects awarded under TED
was a survey of conservation practices being tested, revised and adopted
by leading farmers in Ontario. This study was valuable to TED in refining
the farmer position on research priorities and identifying a resource group
of advisors and research cooperators.
In addition to supporting, strengthening and enlarging the network of
farmer-to-farmer communication about conservation practices, the TED program
assisted in the training and professional development of a number of technicians,
researchers and research groups.
TED identified a need for tools which would assist farmers in reducing
the risks associated with the transition from conventional to conservation
farming. Means of providing these tools were explored to some extent at
the TED Modelling Workshop held on November, 1988. An existing approach
which showed the greatest promise was developed by ROBBERT ASSOCIATES, and
derived from a five year program in Statistics Canada to develop a socioeconomic
resource framework. The promise shown by the first phase of the project
conducted under TED clearly indicates a potential for meeting the established
guidelines outlined above.
Created: 04-10-1996
Last Updated:
Thursday, May 19, 2011 11:09:35 AM
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