PhD fellowship in agricultural economics — Ireland

PhD fellowship in agricultural economics

Rural Economy Research Centre, Teagasc & UCD, Ireland (Ireland)

Ireland: PhD Studentship in Agricultural Economics, Teagasc & University
College Dublin

PhD Studentship description

This project evaluates the economic costs and benefits associated with
alternative management practises of Genetically Modified (GM) crop
technology. Specific research questions relating to the following issues
will be examined: (i) a comparison of the costs of co-existence accruing
to conventional crop producers and the potential benefits accruing to GM
adopting producers (ii) factors affecting farmer’s attitudes to GM
technology adoption and (iii) consumer willingness to pay for GM versus
non GM food end products.

This study will provide valuable lessons for
policy by deepening our understanding of the economics of co-existence
of conventional and GM crop technology.

The PhD student will be based part-time at the Rural Economy Research
Centre, Teagasc and the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Business
Section, School of Agriculture, Food Science & Veterinary Medicine at
University College Dublin. There is also the possibility that the
student may spend a semester at a US university collaborating with
experts in the area of consumer willingness to pay studies in relation
to GM technology.

Requirements • Degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural
Science or related discipline • An interest in applied microeconomics in
particular agricultural or environmental economics • Excellent
quantitative skills.

Conditions of employment Stipend: €21,000 per annum (from which tuition
fees must be paid) Duration of the contract: 3 years beginning
September, 2008

Additional Information Additional information about the vacancy can be
obtained from: Dr. Fiona Thorne Email: fiona.thonre@teagasc.ie

Application Interested candidates should either post or email their CVs
before June 13th to Dr. Fiona Thorne, RERC, Teagasc, Malahide Road,
Kinsealy, Dublin 17, Fiona.thorne @ teagasc.ie Deadline: June 13th, 2008