Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Economics

The research conducted by the Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Economics working group focuses on societal challenges arising from human use of natural resources, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation. We analyze and develop strategies that combine ecological and economic goals while taking market dynamics into account. Our research centers on the agricultural and food sector as well as urban areas.

To conduct our research, we combine economic and social science theories and methods to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between people, the environment, and the economy. The focus is on the application of empirical methods. We use both quantitative methods, based on extensive spatial or microdata sets, for example, and qualitative approaches such as interviews, workshops, and surveys. This interdisciplinary approach enables us to develop practical and scientifically sound solutions to current challenges.

In our teaching, we strive to convey the content and benefits of an economic way of thinking to students. This is done in basic courses on economics, in advanced, application-oriented courses on economics, econometrics, and agricultural policy, and in the supervision of master's theses from our main areas of research. We value respectful communication on an equal footing and use a variety of teaching concepts.

Current research areas:

• Reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions: Analysis of avoidance potential and costs, and development of strategies for reducing emissions.
• Land use behavior and institutional framework conditions: Investigation of the influence of property rights, standards, and agri-environmental programs on sustainable land use.
• Adaptation of agriculture to climate change: Analysis of resilience strategies and their impact on productivity and the environment.
• Soil protection and sustainable management: Research into the application and impact (economic and ecological) of measures to preserve soil fertility and reduce soil erosion, as well as carbon farming measures by farmers.
• Urban environmental economics: Evaluation of incentives for building decarbonization, monetary valuation of urban public goods, and description of the relationships between income distribution and regional policy measures.

Our research results are regularly published in international journals.