GGA evaluation guides phase IV
January 14, 2010
An independent evaluation of the Grower Group Alliance (GGA) has confirmed strong support for future investment in its networking capacity across WA.
The GGA, a farmer-driven organisation connecting grower groups and industry in a network across the state, has been funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation since its inception in 2002. About half of WA farmers belong to a grower group supported by the GGA.
As the third round of funding for the GGA project nears its end in June 2010, 18 grower groups were interviewed to assess the project’s performance to date and provide direction as the project applies for further investment.
Project leader, Susan Hall, said the results from the evaluation reflected the value grower groups received from the project and will be very useful for developing the next phase.
“Grower groups recognise the GGA as an organisation for significant information and knowledge sharing, but there are still areas for improvement, particularly in servicing smaller groups,” she said.
“With the third phase of the GGA project nearly finished, the results will help us make improvements and build a better project moving forward, based on feedback from the groups.”
The evaluation emphasised the support the GGA gives grower groups, particularly during formative stages or tough times, and showed while a high level of collaboration with research organisations is suitable for some groups, many are seeking support to test their own ideas, or be more independent.
Almost all groups recognised the potential for the GGA to be very significant within the WA agricultural industry and consider the project to be meeting a previous information and knowledge extension gap.
The Bodallin Catchment Group, a relatively small group of 23 members, knows the benefits that come from GGA support but faces the challenge of maintaining member interest and believes the GGA could provide support in this area.
Group secretary Merrilyn Temby believes the GGA gives the group credibility with others in the area and within their own group members.
“It makes our group more legitimate in the eyes of others – we are seen to have purpose by networking through the GGA,” she said.
The Northern Agri Group president Craig Simkin sees the GGA as a rudder to keep the ship on course.
“It is a place where we can go to find something out when needed,” he said.
The Facey Group believes the GGA provides a framework and support for the group to become self-sufficient.
“It is like having a ‘Head Office’ for us during the early stages,” Facey Group executive officer, Felicity Astbury said.
“It has provided a good sounding board for our ideas and problems. We have become more efficient and avoided making some errors.”
A full copy of the evaluation report can be found on the GGA website at www.gga.org.au.
