The use of farmer focus groups is discussed as a mechanism for effective knowledge transfer activity, and the functionality of the focus farm contrasted with that of the demonstration farm. Key qualities of focus farmers and the essential characteristics of focus groups are summarised, as...

In this paper, we use content analysis to examine the use of sources by US and UK newspaper reporters from 1990 to 1999. Positive (benefit) or negative (risk) messages are correlated with the "source" type in order to determine the degree of source-message heterogeneity in media reporting of...

This study examines media coverage of genetically modified (GM) crops in a risk communication framework. Content analysis is employed to investigate how specific environmental, food safety, and landmark events, such as the monarch butterfly and Pusztai controversies, and the cloning of...

This paper discusses the findings from a pilot study of New Zealand agricultural consultants aiming to describe the role of agricultural consultancy within the New Zealand RD&E system with specific reference to their role in environmental management. The study comprised a literature review,...

In this paper we use content analysis to show trend in public opinion of agrobiotechnology in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). We test for the degree of positive and negative content in mass media reporting over the period 1995-1998. Specifically, we test whether there are...

This assessment of research and extension in conservation farming in northern NSW was done as part of a systematic process of evaluating the economic, social and environmental impacts of major research, extension and education programs. The conservation farming program was a key area of...