Paris 11 August 2008


EFITA newsletter / 374 / European Federation for Information Technology in Agriculture, Food and the Environment


Did you send your summaries to EFITA2009? (I did! – GW)
See: http://www.efita2009.nl/


Abstract title (1): CAP subsidy claims: trying to encourage French farmers to abandon paper forms and to use the Internet
Author: Waksman, G., Holl, C., Coffion, R.
Preferred presentation: Theatre
Preferred session: 06: Proof of principles and demonstrations: Adoption (ICT, VRT,..)
Abstract text:
TelePAC is the Internet service proposed by the French ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), to enable farmers to register their claims for CAP subsidies. In 2008, around 25 % of French farmers are using TelePAC most often with the help of advisors and within the framework of commercial services marketed by advisory organisations. The percentage of TelePAC users is very much different from one region to the other and depends on most important agricultural productions. The French MAF asked us in 2008 to propose training sessions and assistance to users together with information and training materials, to encourage farmers to access TelePAC autonomously. In the first part of this paper, we discuss the attitudes of farmers towards TelePAC and try to identity the reasons why so many farmers do not use this solution when the French MAF is hoping that within the three next years 80 % of French farmers will use the electronic solution to register their CAP subsidy claims. In the second part, we present the actions that we performed to develop the autonomous use of TelePAC by farmers and discuss the results of these actions: edition of a printed user guide, organising information meetings, training sessions, users' assistance, edition of a DVD to promote TelePAC and to describe how it works, production of a Web TV emission. The use of "last cry" ICT tools such as web conferencing and remote control of farmers' PCs proved to be not very successful when the use of TelePAC in a training room together with other farmers and with the support of an advisor pleased the farmers very much. In our conclusion, we go back to basic old questions: Why should farmers adopt ICT? How to encourage them to use the Internet? Which marketing for agricultural ICT services?



Abstract title (2): Agricultural Web TV in France and Europe
Author: Waksman, G., Burriel, C., Holl, C., Masselin-Silvin, S.
Preferred presentation: Theatre
Preferred session: 09: Proof of principles and demonstrations: Social impact
Abstract text:
The Web TV, i.e. a TV channel over the Internet, is a new means to inform farmers that is becoming more and more popular since we observe in France and in Europe initiatives of public authorities as well as of agricultural advisory organisations and commercial companies.
Our organisations have been involved in two Agricultural Web TV projects since 2005:
- the first one named CanalAgri initiated by a local community in Burgundy, where special emphasis was put on interactivity and,
- the second one named Agri Web Télé at French national level aimed at developing internal competences to establish sound relationships with Web TV actors (commercial companies or public actors) operating in France and to propose to them relevant videos upon request.
In the first part, we present the two above mentioned projects: necessary equipment, investments, training, running costs, organisational schemes adopted, and examples of successful (and less successful) productions with audience measurements.
In the second part, we try to present similar initiatives in France: three private commercial channels and two public channels. Many projects are flourishing in EU member states. From our experience and the above description of running projects, we try in conclusion to draw a few perspectives and to examine how the Web TV may modify the information dissemination process in our Agricultural sector.


Important note
Above abstracts were revised by Mick Harkin. Thanks Mick!


10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms
16 - 21 November 2008 - WELLINGTON, New Zealand.
See: http://www.isbgmo.info/


FOOTPRINT Pesticide Properties database
A new version of the FOOTPRINT Pesticide Properties database is now available online. As well as the chemical and environmental fate sections, this version includes extended ecotoxicological and human health datasets and many new active substances. It now boasts data for over a 1000 active substances, more than 400 metabolites plus information on adjuvants, associated inerts and solvents. The presentation has also been upgraded and it is available in a range of EU languages. Search facilities and support texts are also available.
See: http://sitem.herts.ac.uk/aeru/footprint/
Contact: Dr Andy Green
Email: aeru(a)herts.ac.uk


The best (?) Little Johnny Joke

Little Johnnie's neighbor had a baby. Unfortunately, the baby was born without ears

When mother and new baby came home from the hospital, Little Johnnie's family was invited over to see the baby.

Before they left their house, Little Johnnie's dad had a talk with him and explained that the baby had no ears. His dad also told him that if he so much as mentioned anything about the baby's missing ears - or even uttered the word ears - he would get the smacking of his life when they came back home.

Little Johnnie told his dad he understood completely.

When Little Johnnie looked in the crib he said, "What a beautiful baby."

The mother said, "Why, thank you, Little Johnnie."

Little Johnnie said, "He has beautiful little feet and beautiful little hands, a cute little nose and really beautiful eyes. Can he see?"

"Yes", the mother replied, "we are so thankful. The Doctor said he will have 20/20 vision."

"That's great", said Little Johnnie, "coz he'd be fucked if he needed glasses.


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