As the Director of the Global Institute for Agri-Tech Economics my research focuses on the economics of innovative agricultural technology and digitalisation through the application of interdisciplinary systems based approaches to inform decision making at multiple levels. This is being achieved by working with industry, government and other research institutions to provide economic intelligence and agri-tech solutions for UK and global agriculture and value chains. The objectives of my research are to develop approaches that link economics and science to provide greater insights into how agricultural systems work and how they can be manipulated to achieve the objectives of stakeholders and society. This includes the analysis of the impact of innovative technology, climate change and management on economic, environmental and social outcomes.

Currently I am undertaking research into the economics of PLF and smart dairy systems; the economics of autonomised robotic cropping systems; use of precision agriculture in small holder farming systems; bioeconomic modelling of pasture systems, and intensive and extensive livestock systems and their externalities; benefits and barriers of bovine EID for traceability in the UK, socio-economics of paludiculture, regenerative and conservation agriculture; the value of soil biodiversity and its management; barriers to farmer participation in carbon and BNG markets; and farmer behaviour in response to changes in agri-environmental policies.

Recently completed research includes developing better PES policies for China and Mongolia, the cost of compliance of exporters to the EU; the impact of technology, water policy, market instruments and climate change on irrigated and dryland mixed farming businesses in both the rice and cotton industries; identifying best management practice for the management of perennial and annual weeds in mixed farming and grazing systems; and the economic analysis of RD&KT investment in agriculture.

1. International Society of Precision Agriculture (elected Economics Community leader)

2. Rural Policy Group (Council Member)

3. Agricultural Economics Society

4. International Farm Management Association

5. Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society