Developing economic models of the impact of land structure and tenure in Ireland on the performance of the agricultural sector

Background The objective of this project is to exploit newly available data on land structure and tenure in Ireland to assess the impact of land structure on the economic performance of dairy farming in Ireland. Land structure (in terms of the number of parcels owned and farmed) and tenure can impact on the efficiency of the farm business and the capacity to expand production. Specifically, quantitative methods will be used to examine the relationship between land fragmentation, tenure and farm efficiency. The effectiveness of recent tax incentives around long-term leasing of land will be explored and the impact of long-term leases on farm performance will be measured. Overall this project will contribute to a greater understanding of how the land market in Ireland impacts on the performance of the agricultural sector.

To date there has been no comprehensive dataset in Ireland including information on the land structure, leasing arrangements and economic performance of the farm and hence there has been no research in an Irish context on these issues. This project proposes fill this knowledge gap by exploiting data collected through the Teagasc National Farm Survey to improve the existing farm-level economic models in Teagasc/UCC to account for these issues.

Requirements The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated with an ability to work independently and be willing to undertake recommended coursework where necessary. Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Second Class Honours) or M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Economics, Statistics or related). A full EU driving licence is also required.

Award The Ph.D. Fellowship is a joint research project between Teagasc, Rural Economy and Development Programme, Athenry Co. Galway and the Cork University Business School, University College Cork. The student will be based in Teagasc, Athenry and will be registered at UCC working under the supervision of Prof. Thia Hennessy (UCC) and Dr. Emma Dillon (Teagasc). The fellowship provides a stipend of €22,000. University fees are paid by the student from the stipend which is tenable for 4 years.

Further Information/Applications

Prof. Thia Hennessy, Head of Department, Food Business and Development, University College Cork. Phone +353 (0)21 490 2868 Email: [Email Address Removed]

Dr. Emma Dillon, Rural Economy and Development Programme, Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway. Phone +353 (0)91 845 294 Email: [Email Address Removed]


Application Procedure Submit an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae and a letter of interest simultaneously to: Prof. Thia Hennessy ([Email Address Removed]) and Dr. Emma Dillon ([Email Address Removed]).

Closing date 5pm Friday 24th March