Farmers’ networks and the quest for reliable advice: innovating in Greece

ABSTRACT Purpose This paper seeks to better understand the dynamics of farmers’ innovating processes by focusing on their sources of advice at various stages of their innovation process, specifically within the weak and fragmented Greek Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS). Design/methodology/approach The study employed a mixed-method approach, drawing data from interviews with 112 farmers engaged in three innovation cases in Greece. Findings Some farmers, despite the lack of advisory services, are engaged in innovating processes. They thus seek advice from various sources through networks which vary between farmers and stages of the innovating process. However, networking is not always successful and the knowledge acquired is not always valid. Practical implications The study points to the need for advisory and innovation support services and facilitated networks in the quest for successful innovating paths. Theoretical implications The paper underlines the complexity of farmers’ sources of knowledge. Thus, the paper highlights the importance of untangling the innovating processes’ stages and farmers’ information and advice networks that underpin decision-making in each of these stages. Originality/value Τhe paper points to the diversity of configurations of advice pertaining to complex farmers’ innovating processes, especially under adverse circumstances in terms of provision of innovation support services.