Socio-Economics

In order to gain a better understanding of the framework conditions of agricultural policy, the development of consumer demand, and the management skills of farmers, the Socio-Economics division was established as an independent research department at FiBL. Along with the effects of various framework conditions on agricultural policy, the division is studying the key skills of future farmers, such as entrepreneurial activity and sustainable management. Using qualitative consumer research methods, the division analyses the behaviour and the trust of occasional organic product customers. The demands placed by society on sustainable agriculture and what constitutes effective certification systems are also being studied.

Team

Team of the division Socioeconomy

Publications

Publications of the division in the Organic Eprints Database

Publications before 2004 (67 KB)

Research areas

Policy impact assessment
The future of farming
Consumer behaviour
Agriculture and society
Efficient certification systems

Policy impact assessment

Using the CH-FARMIS sector model it is possible to analyse the impacts of different parameters of agricultural policy on organic farming in Switzerland (income, farm organization, product range, relative excellence of organic agriculture). Because ecological indicators are integrated into CH-FARMIS, the system can be used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of sustainable farming systems in providing environmental services.
Contact: Jürn Sanders

The future of farming

The farmers of the future need core competencies in business skills and sustainable management. In this cluster we create the necessary scientific foundation. Relevant subject areas are: the role and importance of cooperation, secondary sources of income, non-food diversification and new technologies.
Contact: Christine Rudmann

Consumer behaviour

Quantitative methods of consumer research are used to study the behaviour and confidence of consumers who only occasionally buy organic products. One area of this work involves the arguments – other than the organic argument – used by producers to portray their corporate social responsibility; the communicative impact of these arguments on consumers is investigated and improved.
Contact: Hanna Stolz

Agriculture and society

In order to draw up principles which will guide political actors in ensuring the sustainable use and development of rural areas, it is first necessary to analyse the present and future social environment. FiBL therefore studies what society requires of the various functions of sustainable agriculture in Switzerland.
Contact: Heidrun Moschitz

Efficient certification systems

Organic certification is a relevant cost factor for actors involved in organic value chains. FiBL identifies approaches to efficient certification systems.
Contact: Matthias Stolze

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