Improving an agent-based model by using interdisciplinary approaches for analyzing structural change in agriculture

Abstract

Structural change in the German dairy sector seems to be lagged behind. Heterogeneous farm structures, a low efficiency and profitability are persistent although farms operate under similar market and policy conditions. This raises the questions whether these structures are path dependent and how they can eventually be overcome. To answer these questions we use the agentbased model AgriPoliS. The aim of our project is to improve assumptions in AgriPoliS by using it as an experimental laboratory. In a second part AgriPoliS will be used in stakeholder workshops to define scenarios for the dairy sector and communicate and discuss results to practitioners and decision makers. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.