In this paper three different knowledge systems the Dutch government introduced into the agricultural industry are discussed: the ‘knowledge triptych’, the ‘knowledge pyramid’ and the ‘knowledge network’. They range from a supply-driven approach in which knowledge is disseminated in linear and top-down fashion to a more demand-driven approach in which knowledge is disseminated in a circular and bottomup fashion. These two opposite approaches reflect developments in the Dutch agricultural industry. An important focal point of development is the shift from expansion and safeguarding food production to raising competitiveness and sustainability. Research shows that both approaches are valuable but that they are more or less effective depending on objectives and circumstances. Roles of and relationships between relevant parties alter in the three knowledge systems. Two factors are always important in knowledge enhancement, namely trust and external factors.