EN
The paper describes the role of two associations in the knowledge transfer among farmers: Integrated Fruit Production (Integrowana Produkcja Owoców — IPO) in Poland and Dutch Young Farmers' Contact (NAJK) in the Netherlands. Both associations vary according to their geographical and functional scope as well as the length of their traditions. IPO focuses on advising farmers about the fruit production (growing) process whereas NAJK aims at actively participating in almost every aspect of its members' life, from a specialised advice through an organisation of farmers' free time to a political lobbying. Despite of the differences in activity fields and the lifespan, both organisations have the same origin and foundation prerequisites. Either of them was initiated and founded by the farmers, people of practice, who know the insights and the needs for advice in the agricultural production at best. The most important reason for an active participation in these organisations is the direct influence on the environment and the direct application of the results in farming activities. By defining the goals and working plans for the associations, their members jointly decide on the kind and the range of agricultural expertise. Consequently, we show that these aspects are essential for effective transfer and adoption of knowledge.