Land Economy & Environment

The Bio-economics and Rural Strategy team does rural policy relevant inter-disciplinary research and associated knowledge transfer.

We develop and apply analytical frameworks that integrate economic and scientific knowledge in ways that assist decision makers. This often involves finding a balance between competing activities or interests. For example, farms are increasingly seen as providers of public goods that enhance the environment, animal welfare or rural development.

They must also provide safe, high quality food products and other goods and services. Using knowledge of the scientific processes involved, our research establishes the best mix of activities to deliver these outputs under given circumstances. Our research can help to evaluate policies intended to influence such alternative rural land usages.

Our approach uses economic models, econometrics and decision analysis. These tools can be used to assess the impact of scientific advances made elsewhere in the research programme or to evaluate specific policy proposals. For example, a new technique designed to enhance productivity and/or animal welfare in pig production will have wide ranging consequences when brought to market. Other commodity markets will be affected, trade patterns may alter and these shifts will have implications for the environment and rural development etc. We can assess these impacts and hence advise on development or further scientific research priorities. 

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