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Sustainable food systems: do agricultural economists have a role?
[Interdisciplinary collaboration between natural and social sciences–status and trends exemplified in groundwater research]

Author

Listed:
  • Louise O Fresco
  • Floor Geerling-Eiff
  • Anne-Charlotte Hoes
  • Lan van Wassenaer
  • Krijn J Poppe
  • Jack G A J van der Vorst

Abstract

Are agricultural economists losing their relevance and significance in research on sustainable food systems? Could the world thrive without the contribution of agricultural economists? How could agricultural economists have more impact in addressing the grand challenges of our time? In this paper we address these questions by reflecting on the field of agricultural economics and re-examining the role and impact of agricultural economists. We argue that agricultural economists could raise their impact through better collaboration with other disciplines, stakeholder engagement and the adoption of a more systematic approach to the grand challenges, the innovation pathways and their disrupting developments in the data economy. We outline key topics in the economics of food systems on which agricultural economists could make major contributions and key areas in which methodological innovations are needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Louise O Fresco & Floor Geerling-Eiff & Anne-Charlotte Hoes & Lan van Wassenaer & Krijn J Poppe & Jack G A J van der Vorst, 2021. "Sustainable food systems: do agricultural economists have a role? [Interdisciplinary collaboration between natural and social sciences–status and trends exemplified in groundwater research]," European Review of Agricultural Economics, Oxford University Press and the European Agricultural and Applied Economics Publications Foundation, vol. 48(4), pages 694-718.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:erevae:v:48:y:2021:i:4:p:694-718.
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    1. Emil Erjavec & Ilona Rac, 2023. "Improving the Quality of CAP Strategic Planning through Enhancing the Role of Agricultural Economics," EuroChoices, The Agricultural Economics Society, vol. 22(2), pages 71-76, August.

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