Integrated Modelling Approaches for Sustainable Agri-Economic Growth and Environmental Improvement: Examples from Greece, Canada and Ireland

Abstract

Complex agricultural problems concern many countries, as a result of competing economic and environmental objectives. In this work we model three common agricultural problems through optimization techniques: a water-scarce area with overexploited surface and groundwater resources due to over-pumping for irrigation (Greece); an area facing water quality deterioration caused by agriculture (Canada); and an intensified animal farming area facing environmental degradation and increased greenhouse gases emissions (Ireland). Multiple goals are considered to optimize farmers’ welfare and environmental sustainability. The proposed approaches are new applications for each case-study, providing useful insights for most countries facing similar problems.

Keywords

• optimization
• linear programming
• non-linear programming
• goal programming
• water management
• agriculture