Adapting to climate change, food systems in a post COVID-19 world, and gender in the food system are just some of the exciting topics set to be explored at the upcoming Australasian Agricultural and Research Economics Society (AARES) 66th annual conference in February.
Organised by the AARES New England Branch which consists of a number of UNE Business School academics, the event will be a chance for the university's legacy in agricultural and resource economics to be put on the world stage.
Set to be held online and broadcast around the globe, UNE Professor Derek Baker says this year’s theme, Resilience in a Time of Uncertainty, will reflect the accelerating rate of change the agricultural industry is going through, and the increasing number of factors influencing these changes.
“As never before, the profession is challenged to provide solutions for this generation of farmers, and for the next,” he says.
“At the same time, university education and research are changing, and UNE’s delivery models are changing with it. Targeting resilience, alongside the perennial targets of productivity and profits, is one such shift. Incorporating political change, climate change and the pandemic’s shocks to the supply chain into management decision making represent another shift."
With workshops, a mini-symposia, networking events and keynote speakers, Professor Baker says there will be something for everyone.
Whether you’re a student or a seasoned academic, we have ensured everyone will gain value from the conference, no matter the discipline or stage of career you might be in.
“Some of the standout topics set to be discussed are sustainable and resilient agriculture, gender in the food system, food systems post COVID-19, and adapting to climate change,” he says.
“Whether you’re a student or a seasoned academic, we have ensured everyone will gain value from the conference, no matter the discipline or stage of career you might be in.”
A major aspect of this year’s conference will be the Women in Economics session and networking event being held on Thursday 10 February, which will be a chance to explore the diverse careers of a panel of inspirational female professionals, and how gender may have shaped their career paths.
Agricultural economics is a small industry, so having the opportunity to network at this event is so important, especially in regards to connecting with mentors.
UNE alumna Tilly Brauer is a Financial Analyst at Impact Ag Partners and will be one of the panellists at the event. She says it will be a chance for people at all stages in their studies or career to learn off others in the industry and have important conversations about career progression for women in economics.
“Agricultural economics is a small industry, so having the opportunity to network at this event is so important, especially in regards to connecting with mentors,” she says.
“I’ve always worked in the agricultural industry, and it’s definitely a male dominated industry, particularly in those higher up positions. While that’s starting to change, I think it’s important to have mentors who can help you move forward in your career. Having mentors is something that’s helped me, and I’ve found you just learn so much from people who have been in the industry for a while.”
Professor Baker says this special event, and the conference as a whole, will be a chance to put UNE in the spotlight for its work in the agricultural economics space.
“As a leading research and teaching university in agricultural and resource economics, UNE’s management of the AARES conference will provide impetus for further innovation and leadership in the field,” he says.
“As UNE pioneered the two fields of production economics and risk in management decision-making, our graduates came to populate the profession, not just in Australia but worldwide. This means a large number of our alumni will be presenting papers or speaking on panels during the conference, so it is a fantastic opportunity to remind the world of the important work we are doing in the field.”
As a leading research and teaching university in agricultural and resource economics, UNE’s management of the AARES conference will provide impetus for further innovation and leadership in the field.
For a full schedule of events, or to find out how to register, visit the AARES website.
Event details:
- When: 7-11 February 2022
- Where: Online. Visit website to register
- Who: Academics, students and professionals interested in agricultural economics.
- Theme: Resilience in a time of uncertainty
