Extension approaches for horticultural innovation

The focus of this chapter is towards the changing extension climate surrounding the horticultural industry and the implications for horticultural extension now and into the future. Extension as a function and a practice is being redefined in many countries alongside changes in the institutional arrangements for extension, changing funding models and varying degrees of involvement of the private sector. The chapter analyses: • industry/sector changes and implications for extension • traditional and more recent interpretation surrounding extension definitions and delivery models • the evolving enabling environment, resource constraints and institutional roles surrounding extension service delivery • the extension practitioner (their skills, competencies, roles) • elements of a model suited to support industry needs with high, ongoing innovation requirements.