We provide world-class economic research and evidence-based advice on emerging agricultural issues of regional, national, and global significance and their impact on food systems, producers, the natural environment, and economic development in Australia and globally.
Research intensive achieving 1st in Australia and 16th in the world for Agricultural Sciences
(ARWU 2021)
Worldwide networks with governments, academia and the agricultural industry
Quality training for industry and supervision of PhD and Masters by research students
The Centre for Agricultural Economics and Development (CAED) delivers independent, evidence-based information to enhance decision-making and the social, economic, and environmental sustainability and resilience of farming systems and food supply chain participants, in both developed and developing countries.
We are a leading Australian think tank for economic research and policy advice related to agriculture, agri-environmental management, agribusiness and food systems.
The Centre is the largest group of its kind in Australia, and also the most productive. We work closely with colleagues in the UWA's School of Agriculture and Environment and the UWA Institute of Agriculture, and collaborate with a large international network of experts from research, industry and government sectors.
We participate in multidisciplinary national and international research projects funded by the Australian Research Council, Cooperative Research Centres, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and a range of industry-based organisations.
Our research
Our research focuses on the biggest challenges facing agricultural around the world. We use our capabilities in data collection, socio-economic analysis and interpretation to provide insight into:
Adoption of new technologies
Decision making and prioritisation
Agribusiness and farm management
Poverty and food security
Food product development
Commodity markets and trade
Climate change mitigation
Sustainable farming systems
The Centre is led by Director; A/Professor Marit Kragt, and two Deputy Directors; A/Professor Fay Rola-Rubzen and Dr Fiona Dempster. It is supported by a Centre Manager and a team of post-docs, academic staff, adjuncts, and postgraduate research students.
An Advisory Committee, consisting of a select group of distinguished professionals from different agricultural industries, relevant government, and research organisations, helps to guide the strategic direction and activities of the centre.
We work on industry-funded research projects and regularly engage with industry partners, particularly rural development corporations, grower organisations, grain growers, the CSIRO, and government agencies, for example the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
A key feature of our centre is our regular engagement with stakeholders and a focus on real world applications for developed and developing countries.
We deliver quality, evidence-based research, practical tools and advice, and online training packages for our industry partners.
Funding bodies and partners
