Basic Function:

To conduct research in socio-economic disciplines in the framework of the ‘Future Cereals’ project by using socioeconomic impact assessment methods to examine the potential  of existing and new plant breeding technologies to contribute to the future sustainability of cereal farming in Ireland. The researcher employed to work on the project will  establish a robust methodology, using quantitative and qualitative skills, to examine the socioeconomic impact of plant breeding technologies, in an ex-poste and ex-ante framework, using traditional and newer plant breeding technologies, in the case study of Irish cereal farming.

Background:

The position will be based in either Teagasc Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department in the Ashtown Dubbin 15 campus or the Mellows Campus, Athenry, County Galway.

Future Cereals is a 4-year project on developing a barley-centred genome editing and cisgenesis technologies platform that is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and is a collaboration among Teagasc, University College Dublin, and the company Goldcrop in Co. Cork.

Whilst there has been much speculation on the positive role of gene-editing technologies in food security, the extent of the impact remains speculative, particularly relating to the socio-economic distribution of benefits along the supply chain. Using Ireland as a case study, there has been done some work that examined the role of GM technologies in Irish crops and considered the socio-economic benefits for consumers and farmers. However, no such analysis has been performed for newer plant breeding technologies such as gene editing.

At a basic research level there is a need to look at historic data to determine the technological progress rate on Irish farms or otherwise contributing to total factor productivity (TFP) over time. There is some evidence to suggest that technological progress has slowed in terms of cereal yields in the Irish context, but its contribution to total factor productivity using farm level data is lacking. Using micro data from the Teagasc National Farm Survey, the ex-post rate of technological progress on tillage farms will be assessed and its contribution to productivity over time will be established

In an ex-ante economic impact assessment, using data from the literature coupled with learnings from other work packages in the FutureCereals project,  the potential role of newer plant breeding technologies will be examined using a suitable economic impact assessment model such as bio-economic modelling or welfare analysis.

The social acceptance of new technologies along the supply chain will be crucial in the role of new plant breeding approaches, if the policy environment is favourable. The theory of planned behaviour will be used to determine the social acceptance at key points in the supply chain. The researcher employed to work on the project will  establish a robust semi qualitative approaches to identify acceptance of new plant breeding technologies  at farm or consumer level.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Review existing literature on (i) productivity measurement at farm and national level; (ii) economic impact assessment methods of breeding technologies and (iii) supply chain willingness to accept methodologies.
• Use micro farm data to look at the total factor productivity of cereal farming in Ireland, using data from the Teagasc, National Farm Survey (NFS).
• Use farm bio-economic models to examine the potential economic sustainability of alternative plant breeding technologies
• Examine the willingness to adopt/accept new plant breeding technologies at various scales   
• Plan and carry out outreach and stakeholder information activities.
• Produce reports and peer-reviewed papers.

 Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.
• To disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.
• Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• To take up additional duties as may arise or as assigned by management.

* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive.  It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

 Essential

• PhD in economics, social science, agriculture, environmental science, agricultural or environmental economics;  
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in analysis and interpretation of farm level data and/or social science micro level data;
• Evidence of peer review publications essential;
• Excellent project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills;
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with a demonstrated ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer.

 Desirable

• Good knowledge of Irish agricultural systems,
• Experience in econometric modelling and/or bio-economic modelling and/or qualitative research methods;
• Consumer survey development and design;
• Experience in setting own research agenda;
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners;
• Management of PhD students to build research skill and knowledge and to support and guide their professional development.

 Note:  The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.

Note:  Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.