Research Objectives

The main aim of this project is to examine the potential impacts of energy price fluctuations on modern agricultural systems, using Scotland as a case study.  This will be done through: (1) consideration of farmers' dependence on energy dependent inputs, the effects of past changes in input prices on usage, and implications for yields; (2) analysis of the opportunities presented by biofuel production (3) assessment of the combined effects of these input and output price changes on farming systems through sensitivity analysis using a bio-economic farm model.