In this paper we outline the development of a spatial microsimulation model that uses a combinational optimisation technique called simulated annealing to match the Irish Census of Agriculture data to a National Farm Survey (NFS). The matched NFS and Census information is then used to produce...

In this paper we outline the use of a farm level spatial microsimulation model that is used to produce small area farm population microdata estimates of the probability of participation by Irish farmers in the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) for the year 2005. Previous studies that...

The Irish government has an ambitious plan to increase the forest cover in Ireland from 10% to 17% by the year 2030 and in doing so achieve a competitive scale of timber production. Substantial financial incentives are available to encourage landowners, especially farmers, to plant. To achieve...