The agricultural and food systems are at a critical juncture, facing multifaceted challenges that demand innovative solutions. Geopolitical tensions, accelerated market volatility and the impact of climate change are shaping an uncertain landscape. Evolving consumer preferences and the urgent need for more environmentally sustainable agricultural practices add layers of complexity. This conference aims to address these challenges and explore opportunities for sustainable transformation, particularly focusing on Central and South-East Europe.
Multilevel Response: Addressing the complexities of sustainable transformation requires action at various levels. Microeconomic adjustments at farm-level, cooperation and fair relations between actors in the food supply chain, accompanied by forward-looking and effective public policies, are essential components of a resilient agrifood systems. Tightened fiscal condition, accompanied by accompanied by a deterioration of the price-cost ratio in agriculture, arouse resistance of farmers to new societal demands. Researchers are invited to share insights on how these aspects can be harmonized to foster sustainable and resilient food systems.
Opportunities in extended agrifood value Chains: One avenue for navigating these challenges lies in embracing extended agrifood value chains, adding value through valorising side-streams along the principles of a circular bioeconomy. This approach presents opportunities for sustainable resource utilization, waste reduction, and the creation of new economic avenues. The conference invites contributions on how such strategies can be practically implemented and their potential impact on the agricultural and food systems.
Shifting consumer preferences and public expectations from agri-food systems: persisting food inflation has further upset the already dynamic interplay of forces that affect our food purchase decisions. The conference seeks to quantitative evidence, how price sensitivity and value-for-money considerations have shifted food consumer preferences in the region. Considering these shifts, it raises the question of how this is translating to the general public expectations from agri-food systems.
Dialogue Among Stakeholders: A crucial aspect of navigating these challenges is fostering dialogue among governmental actors, civil society, and researchers. The conference encourages submissions that explore collaborative approaches to address the diverse needs and perspectives within the agricultural and food systems. How can effective communication and cooperation lead to more informed decision-making and sustainable outcomes?
Challenges in Central and South-East Europe: The EU has stepped up the integration process with the Western Balkans. After years of waiting, the accession of individual countries in the region is becoming a realistic option. At the same time, the EU integration is expanding eastwards, where the prospect of Ukraine’s accession presents a whole new dimension of challenges for agricultural markets and policies. The conference seeks for theoretically and empirically grounded insight to EU integration process and possible specific response of the agrifood systems in Central and South-Eastern Europe.
Agricultural economics research plays a pivotal role in responding to these challenges. The conference invites submissions that offer new analyses, proposals, solutions, and tools to support the strategic planning of agricultural policies in Central and South-East Europe. How can research contribute to bridging the gap between manifold and often conflicting challenges? What novel approaches can facilitate sustainable transformation in these regions? The HAED/DAES Conference invites both scholars and profesionals from various domains of agriculture, food systems, natural resource management, and related social sciences, to share their viewpoints and research findings, that contribute to our understanding of the likely implications of the challenges described above. The ambition of the conference is to serve as a platform for stimulating professional discussion and searching for context- and area- specific solutions for agri-food systems and rural areas.