Advancing adaption and adoption of new forages in Norway: An innovative farmer-led research approach via citizen science

The INNOFORAGE project uses an innovative research method led by farmers based on citizen science. We propose a model for large-scale model testing new forage seed mixtures, where farmers evaluate new plant material directly on their own fields and farms. This approach helps identify the best alternatives under various agro-ecological conditions and promotes more efficient utilization of new forage crops in local environments.

The TRICOT (TRIadic COmparison of Technologies) method involves a large number of farmers who conduct simple, small trials on their farms. The approach follows an incomplete block design where each participant evaluates three options out of a larger number of options tested in the trial. Farmers evaluate the three options from best to worst according to predefined criteria and answer short queries questions using their mobile phones and digital tools. Due to the large number of participants, the combined dataset provides statistically robust results. Using the ClimMob software platform, data can be analysed quickly, and results, feedback, and reports can be generated efficiently and shared with participants and stakeholders.

88 on-farm field trials were established in 2025, testing 12 different seed mixtures. In 2026, a further 100 trials will be established in Norway and Sweden. Results from on-farm trials will be compared with 5 conventional field trials at NIBIO research farms and 8 trials conducted by The Norwegian Agricultural Advisory Service (NLR). This combined approach allows direct comparison between farmer-led testing and traditional experimental methods.

By actively involving farmers in experimentation, the TRICOT method promotes faster adoption of new species, varieties, and seed mixtures. It also strengthens collaboration between researchers, advisors, and farmers, contributing to more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.

More information about the Tricot method is available here, or by direct contact.

Seed mixtures tested

The different seed mixtures tested in this experiment have been developed and selected through close collaboration between NIBIO, NLR, and the seed companies Felleskjøpet Agri, Felleskjøpet Rogaland Agder and Strand Unikorn. They include three commercially available mixtures and five novel mixtures tested in all regions, as well as two mixtures adapted for colder parts of Norway (Northern Norway and mountainous areas) and two mixtures adapted for warmer parts of Norway (lowlands in the middle and south).

In total twelve species are tested across the twelve mixtures. An overview of the mixtures is given here.

All fields are managed by the farmers according to their own practices, which secures a more realistic testing.

About the INNOFORAGE Research Project:

The project is funded by the Research Funds for Agriculture and the Food Industry (FFL/JA) and is managed by NIBIO, with the University of Inland Norway, the Norwegian Agricultural Advisory Service (NLR), Strand Unikorn, Felleskjøpet Agri, and Felleskjøpet Rogaland Agder as project partners. The overall aim of the project is to evaluate if the TRICOT and citizen science approach is suitable for use in Norway. TRICOT has been successfully applied in many countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, but this is the first time the method is being tested in the Global North. In addition to evaluating forage seed mixtures, we will also examine the farmer experiences with participation in TRICOT, and whether this approach can accelerate the adoption of new varieties and knowledge. In other words, INNOFORAGE tests both the plant material and the method itself.

The main goal of the project is to establish a system for testing forage crops that:

1. Identifies what farmers consider most important in their forage crops.
2. Finds the most suitable forage crops/mixtures adapted to local conditions.
3. Makes it easy for end-users to adopt new varieties, mixtures, or knowledge.

Project objectives: 

• Identifying the optimal combination of approaches, including large-scale trials led by farmers (TRICOT), farmer surveys, and traditional field trials, that provide the most robust basis for recommendations of forage crops.
• Understand what motivates participants to take part in TRICOT and citizen science.
• Examine how participation in collaborative agricultural research affects knowledge exchange and social relationships among participants.
• Develop a sustainable and adaptable model for testing new varieties or species that can be tailored to future needs.

The project has a reference group consisting of farmers, advisors from NLR, Graminor, and representatives from the County Governor and Centre for Arctic Agriculture.