We are interested in leading or joining transnational research consortia focused on the socio-economic dimensions of agro-ecology, specifically targeting Topic 2: Strengthening farmers' involvement and empowerment. We seek collaboration in projects addressing the agro-ecological transition through collective action, farmer motivation analysis, generational renewal, and gender equality in rural communities. Our focus includes the development of social innovations, peer-to-peer learning frameworks, and the integration of diverse farming communities into national Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS). We are especially interested in projects with a strong applied dimension using Living Lab methodologies, multi-actor approaches, and co-creation processes that ensure effective communication and knowledge transfer to farmers and stakeholders.

Our Department of Agricultural Economics focuses on the socio-economic dimensions of sustainable agricultural transitions, with particular expertise in agro-ecology, farmer decision-making, and rural innovation processes. We work at the intersection of agricultural policy, rural sociology, and behavioral economics to better understand how farmers respond to sustainability-oriented changes.
Our research examines farmers’ motivations and barriers in adopting agro-ecological practices, with special attention to young and women farmers. We apply mixed methods approaches, combining economic analysis with qualitative and participatory research, to explore how social norms, economic incentives, and risk perceptions shape adoption decisions.
We are particularly interested in collective action processes within farmer groups and cooperatives, and in understanding how peer learning and social innovation influence the uptake of sustainable practices.
Our department contributes to socio-economic analysis, stakeholder engagement, and policy-relevant insights within interdisciplinary projects. We are open to collaboration with agronomic, environmental, and advisory partners to jointly design and implement integrated research and living lab approaches that support agro-ecological transitions.