Trend and Perspective of Agricultural Knowledge System in OECD Member Countries

OECD 회원국들의 농업지식체계(AKS) 동향과 전망

During the last 10 year period, OECD member countries were in a trend of 'less government' from 'more government', thus resulted in restructuring and reducing staffs in government agricultural institutions including the Agricultural Knowledge System. In recognizing the crisis of 'less government', member countries were in a trend of paradigm shift to the 'better government;. In producing and transferring agricultural information, member countries are more concerned about consumers as well as producers as the target of good quality services of the 'better government'. The general consensus of member countries identified the importance of food safety and environmental protection as new agendas for the 21st century. Agricultural Knowledge Systems (AKS) in OECD member countries were in a trend of reorganization in addressing food safety, and agriculture / environmental issues. The approaches, functions and responsibilities were diversified to multi-governmental institutions from the ministry of agriculture. Thus the importance of institutional cooperation and coordination were emphasized more in the newly changed AKS paradigms. The objectives, functions and approaches of AKS in OECD member countries as well as in Korea will be directed to emphasize the importance of environment, sustainable agriculture, food safety, and rural development. They will also focus on establishing mutual cooperative systems among policy makers, consumes, non-governmental organizations, and agri-related organizations as necessary for sustainable development in the future.