Indicators encompassing the multi-dimensional nature of sustainability (economic, environmental and social) are developed here using National Farm Survey data over a ten-year period (1996-2006) to assess the overall sustainability of Irish agriculture. This is the first such study undertaken for...

This discussion paper serves as a general overview of recent labour market trends in Ireland. Quarterly National Household Survey Data from Q2 2007, Q2 2008 and Q1 2009 is utilised. The structure of employment and unemployment is outlined at both a regional and sectoral level. Those most at risk...

This policy paper reviews the sustainability literature, with a view to furthering research in the area of the sustainability of Irish agriculture. This is the first component of a larger project currently being undertaken by the authors to assess the effect of policy reform on the economic,...

During the last decade, as the population of Ireland has become increasingly urbanised, there has been an increase in demand for outdoor recreational pursuits. Increased affluence, mobility and changing values have also brought new demands with respect to landscape, conservation, heritage and...

Previous studies that have attempted to model the participation decision of farmers in agrienvironmental schemes have used a static framework where it was not possible to examine changes in the participation decision of farmers over time. This is rectified in this paper by utilising an 11 year...

In this paper a probit model is used to assess the factors that will influence the decision of Irish farmers to adopt GM technology should they be given a choice in the near future of selecting between GM and non-GM varieties of crops. The theory underlying the model emanates from the wide...

This paper conducts a detailed, micro-focused investigation of the implications of issues such as recent agricultural policy changes and growth in the wider economy on the structure of production systems in Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands in terms of farm numbers, system switching,...

This paper assesses the impact of decoupling on farming in Ireland. The decision to engage in production post-decoupling is simulated using profit maximising multi-period linear programming models. The number of farmers that would financially benefit from disengaging from production is...

This paper examines the competitiveness of cereal production in selected EU member states. The analysis showed that productivity levels in the UK, Ireland and France were consistently higher than competing countries Denmark, Germany and Italy. In terms of profitability, the opportunity cost of...