Research of Business Economics

We study how economic insights can contribute to sustainable, resilient, and healthy agri-food systems. We combine economic analysis with societal challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and rural development, helping to inform better decision-making across the agri-food sector.

Our work is organized around three complementary research themes:

We look at how animal and plant health, as well as food safety risks, shape economic performance across the agri-food system, and how effective prevention and intervention strategies can reduce losses and improve outcomes.
Alongside this, we assess how farms and businesses perform across economic, environmental, and social dimensions, identifying pathways to greater efficiency, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness.
We also focus on risk and resilience in agri-food supply chains, exploring how food systems can adapt and remain robust under uncertainty, including climate change, disease outbreaks, market volatility, and geopolitical developments.

Our wide network allows us to work in multidisciplinary teams and co-create solutions with a wide range of partners. Our research is commissioned and funded by the Dutch government, the EU, non-governmental organisations, food processors, wholesalers, feed companies, pharmaceutical companies, as well as banks, insurance companies, and agricultural accountants.

For more information on the specific research themes, please visit the individual theme pages.