FG 497: Structural Change and Transition in Agriculture - TP 4: The importance of the agricultural sector for regional economics

Regarding the external linkages of agricultural businesses and the impact of an agricultural system on the economy of rural areas, there is still a lack of knowledge. The planned project aims to document and analyse the regional differentiated networking between agricultural businesses and external spheres. The project is therefore based on empirical investigations (mainly business surveys, interviews and expert discussions) in two case study regions in Poland and Eastern Germany. Focus is taken both on quantitative (measurable e.g. in monetary units) and qualitative (e.g. consulting, information) linkages. Based on this the project is going to broaden existing model approaches on the linkages of agricultural producers in agricultural systems and rural areas. It is also planned to create an own model of the agricultural system including these approaches. This model will be designed to show starting points for a holistic regional economic policy for rural areas.