Modelling in Support of Better Agricultural and Food Policies: the JRC's Integrated Agro-economic Modelling platform (iMAP) Modélisation à l'appui de meilleures politiques agricoles et alimentaires : la plateforme de modélisation agroéconomique intégrée (iMAP) du Centre commun de recherche (JRC) Modellierung zur Unterstützung einer besseren Agrar- und Ernährungspolitik: die Plattform für integrierte agrarökonomische Modellierung (iMAP) des JRC

Abstract

Research in the area of agro-economic modelling has been one of the key contributions of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) to the development of better agri-food policies in the EU. This article provides an overview of the development of the JRC's integrated agro-economic modelling platform since its establishment in 2005. We highlight the main contributions to policy analysis and describe in detail two key areas, namely the provision of medium-term projections for agricultural markets and the analysis of various CAP proposals. Furthermore, we describe the gradual shift to expand the capabilities of individual models within the platform to encompass aspects beyond traditional agro-economic aspects and incorporate environmental considerations. Model integration remains a focus both within the platform at different levels and scales, and in conjunction with biophysical models. This, together with incorporating knowledge from other fields of economic analysis is fundamental to capture changing policy objectives.