Agri Policy Lab – A new unit established within the Biogas Research Team

In January 2024, the Agri Policy Lab – new unit established within the Biogas Research Team has been established.

In a significant stride towards advancing sustainable agricultural practices, the Biogas Research Team (Czech University of Life Sciences Prague), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík has announced the establishment of the dynamic and multidisciplinary " Agri Policy Lab." Dedicated to shaping evidence-based agricultural policies, the Agri Policy Lab aims to be a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development in the agricultural sector.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Agri Policy Lab is clear: to foster the development and implementation of effective agricultural and related policies through rigorous research, collaboration, and advocacy. By operating at the intersection of research, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy, the lab envisions a future where agricultural policies are not only well-informed but also contribute significantly to sustainable development.

Main Activities of the Agri Policy Lab

Policy Research and Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive research on current agricultural policies, bioenergy policies, and related areas to identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps.

• Analyse global best practices and innovative policies to provide informed recommendations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitate inclusive discussions and workshops involving farmers, policymakers, NGOs, academia, and industry stakeholders.

• Gather diverse perspectives to ensure that policies are comprehensive and address the needs of various stakeholders.

Capacity Building

• Organize training and workshops for policymakers, government officials, and farmers on emerging trends, sustainable practices, and policy implementation.

Policy Recommendations

• Develope and propose policy recommendations based on research findings, data analysis, and stakeholder input.

• Present actionable insights to policymakers, advocating for evidence-based decision-making.

Policy Impact Assessments

• Evaluate the impact of implemented policies over time, measure their effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement.

• Publish reports and findings to inform the public and policymakers.

Data Analysis and Visualization

• Prepare data analysis and visualizations to enhance the understanding of complex agricultural policy issues.

Members of the Agri Policy Lab

The Agri Policy Lab is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík, an expert in the field and supported by a team of dedicated professionals:

Ing. et Mgr. Adam Hruška, who brings expertise in food security and policy analysis.

MSc. Chama Theodore Ketuama, whose background in sustainable development and bioenergy, adds a valuable dimension to our team.

The creation of the Agri Policy Lab is also supported by Assoc. Prof. Stella Tsani from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. Assoc. Prof. Tsani is a member of the Board of Directors of the  Euro-Mediterranean Forum of Institutes of Economic Sciences; invited expert member of the foresight group, coordinated by Plan Bleu, on the Mediterranean "MED 2050" project. She has acted as reviewer for the IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, expert contributor to the International Science Council delegation to the UN2023 Water Conference; expert member of the Body of Knowledge for the EIT (EIT Food, EIT Manufacturing, EIT Climate and EIT Raw Materials) initiative “Finding innovative solutions for water scarcity in Southern Europe”, and expert contributor to the development of the Smithsonian Science Education Center guide for youth on the “Ocean and Sustainability”. She is the lead editor of the Handbook of Sustainable Politics and Economics of Natural Resources where she brings together contributions from senior and leading young scholars to produce a critical reading for policy makers and researchers.

Together, this team brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and passion to drive positive change in agricultural policies.

The launch of the Agri Policy Lab signals a commitment to evidence-based decision-making and a collaborative approach towards sustainable agricultural development. As the lab embarks on its journey, it is poised to become a pivotal force in shaping the future of agriculture, ensuring policies that not only address the current challenges but also contribute to a resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape.

Visit our Agri Policy Lab for more details.