CRPR : LAND : NATURE : FOOD
The Centre for Rural Policy Research (CRPR) is an inter-disciplinary team of social scientists focussing on social, political and economic issues at the intersection of land, the environment, farming and food systems. While much of our research is conducted in the United Kingdom, we also have an interest in these issues around the world, especially in Europe.
We are one of the leading places in the UK for study of:
- The farm as a family business
- agricultural, and agri-environmental policy
- sustainable rural communities
- health and well-being of farming people
- intergenerational succession
- the social and economic development of agriculture
- the transformation of food systems
- sustainable livelihoods in agriculture and food
- consumption and dietary change
- food and agriculture-related social enterprise
- agriculture, food and cultural heritage
- agriculture and climate change
The research and training carried out by the CRPR has long been used to inform governments, businesses and communities about issues in rural, environmental, agricultural and food policies and practices, and to propose solutions to problems in these spheres. We use a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including questionnaire surveys, face-to-face interviews, life/career/enterprise histories, participant observation, discussion groups, deliberative exercises, and policy analysis and development. Our funders have included UKRI (ESRC, NERC, AHRC), the British Academy, the Leverhulme Trust, Defra, Devon County Council, the NFU, RICS, and environmental NGOs.
