Contact
Matthias Stolze
(Dr. sc. agr.)
Socio-Economics
Head of group
FiBL
Ackerstrasse
CH-5070 Frick
Phone +41 (0)62 865-7255
Fax +41 (0)62 865-7273
matthias.stolze(at)fibl.org
Research areas: Socio-Economics
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
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
Project
- Developing Entrepreneurial Skills of Farmers (www.esofarmers.org
)
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
Projects
- CORE Organic Project: Farmer Consumer Partnerships (www.fcp.coreportal.org )
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.
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Efficient certification systems
Organic certification is a relevant cost factor for actors involved in organic value chains. FiBL identifies approaches to efficient certification systems.
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Sustainability Analysis
Our area of sustainability assessment consists of FiBL experts in research, consulting and communication.
Our focus is on the following activities:
- Research:
- Effects of agricultural methods and food production of environmental, economic and social indicators.
- Production system and processing optimization.
- Development of practice-oriented solutions for environmental, economic and social problems in agriculture.
- Consulting for farms, processing and trade companies as well as independent organizations and politics regarding sustainability issues.
- Communication of sustainability aspects to various stakeholder groups and the general public.