Economics objective synthesis report

Abstract

The research undertaken by the ARGOS Economic Research Objective includes a wide range of research areas, many of which do not involve comparison of data from sector panels. The team monitors and reviews market access factors that may affect New Zealand agricultural producers’ opportunity to export products to key markets, such as trade policies, market audit systems, and non-technical trade barriers. Ongoing consumer behaviour research is also undertaken to better understand consumer trends and attitudes towards food. Trade modelling comprises a large component of the Economic Research Objective to investigate the impacts of changes and potential changes in world markets on New Zealand trade. In addition, a bioeconomic model of on-farm weed control has been developed to identify optimum methods of weed control accounting for physical and financial constraints. Another area of research is the assessment of optimal approaches to supply chain management for societal and business outcomes.