Socio-Economics

One of the issues being addressed by the socio-economics division is the question of how different parameters of agricultural policy impact on organic farming. The group is also exploring what core competencies – in areas such as business skills and sustainable management – will be required by farmers in the future. We use qualitative methods of consumer research to analyse the behaviour and confidence of consumers who buy organic products only occasionally. We also study what society requires of sustainable agriculture and what form efficient certification systems should take. Sustainability analysis is an important area of work throughout the institute. In it we explore the impacts of farming methods and food production on ecological, economic and social indicators.