GFS researchers Associate Professor Wendy Umberger, Professor Randy Stringer, Mr Suprehatin, Dr Dale Yi, Dr Alexandra Peralta, and Dr Risti Permani attended the 29th International Conference of Agricultural Economists in Milan, Italy between 8 and 14 August 2015. The conference brought leading agricultural economists stimulating various issues related to the widespread adoption of new communication technologies within the context of agricultural sectors.

Prof Johan Swinnen of University of Leuven, Belgium in his keynote speech highlighted the increasing complexity of the world and how standards can be barriers and catalysts to agricultural development and trade. Professor Philippe Aghion of Harvard University highlighted the positive effect of innovation on social mobility, that is due to new innovators.

The conference delivered a special session to commemorate the contribution of Professor Giovanni Anania, President of the European Association of Agricultural Economists (EAAE), who died on 15 July 2015 aged 58 years.  He was a highly respected agricultural economist at University of Calabria and a leading contributor to stronger links between professional organisations including EAAE and AARES.

The conference provided opportunities for GFS researchers to not only present and receive feedback on our current research projects but also to network with researchers across the globe and learn from some of the best innovations in agricultural research.

Dr Risti Permani’s conference attendance was supported by AARES-IAAE Travel Award and Mr Suprehatin’s attendance was supported by ICAE2015 Travel Scholarship. We thank them for the support.

The 30th ICAE will be held in Canada in 2018. We see you in 2018!