Cultural change in agricultural research organizations- An urgent need

Attitudes to research and research management in agriculture remain largely conditioned by a traditional belief system that internalizes both the reductionist science ethos and the special separate role for agriculture in society. Contemporary issues, however, clearly demonstrate that agriculture is very much part of the broader social and economic fabric. Agriculture is quickly becoming just another business, in competition with tourism, mining, manufacturing and urbanization. The culture of a research organization determines its perceptions of the problems and possibilities facing the industry it serves. This paper argues that to best serve society agricultural research and its management should be concerned with regulating multiple relationships rather than with setting isolated goals and with encouraging development rather than aiming for growth. Such a change in focus will demand of agricultural research organizations, such as the Queensland Department of Primary Industries described here as an example, a fundamental change in culture. Long held dominant beliefs and values need now to be questioned if research in agriculture is to continue to make the great contribution it has in the past