Meeting and mutual learning during Open Days
The knowledge days organised by Applied Plant Research (PPO) for the bulb sector are essential for the sector ánd for the scientists. During three different days growers learn from each other, from the research results, and from the researchers, who - in turn – are learning from the growers.
Of course, visitors of an Open Day in Lisse can obtain information. This may take several forms:
- Companies supplying products or services to the sector are setting up small stands
- Research results are presented on posters
- Experiments in the field, in the greenhouse, or in the storage compartment show running research
- Lectures that are yielding points for prolongation of the spraying licence.
And yet, the possibility to acquire information is only one of the success factors of an Open Day. The fact that researchers and growers are talking to each other and that growers are meeting each other may even be more important.
Specifying research questions
Researchers are learning from the meetings with growers. They hear what’s going in the sector and this enables them to further specify the research questions. At the same time they learn how they can communicate with growers in a mutually beneficial way.
The mutual meetings of growers are extremely valuable. They can also learn from each other.
Other ways of Open Days
Apart from the Open days in Lisse scientists are also visiting the regions. This gives growers throughout the Netherlands the opportunity to get acquainted with PPO’s research and scientists. And the scientists attend the Open Days of partners such as suppliers and they are giving lectures.
And meanwhile the scientists are also seeking new approaches for part of the Open Days, e.g., by organising a day for the forerunners of the sector. A number of short lectures is given during such a day; this is followed by the participants in small groups talking with the scientists about the questions they consider really important for the future of their holding.