Integrated Modelling and Assessment of Agricultural Sustainability

A RELU study scoping how to support policy relevant assessments of agricultural sustainability
The assessment of the sustainability of agricultural systems has been identified as a priority policy issue both nationally and internationally (OECD, 1998; DETR, 1999; MAFF, 2000; SERAD, 2000). As humanly modified ecosystems, agro-ecosystems are both structurally and dynamically complex.

  

This complexity arises from the interaction between biophysical, socio-economic and technological processes operating across a range of spatial and temporal scales. This scoping study addresses the significant scientific and technical challenge of undertaking integrated multi-dimensional quantitative assessments of agricultural sustainability, whilst taking into account multiple values and perspectives on sustainability.

This Cross-Council Programme is co-funded by the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD), and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).