Assessing the Financial Implications of Integrating Food, Energy, and Biodiversity on UK Farms

Integrating food production, renewable energy generation, and biodiversity conservation on UK farms presents an innovative approach to sustainable agriculture. Building on the ongoing work of the EU Value4Farm project, this PhD project will assess the financial implications of optimising the three objectives, considering both short-term costs and long-term benefits. Your research will create a financial evaluation framework to guide policymakers, farmers, and investors in making informed decisions. To achieve this, the PhD will:

· Evaluate the initial investment costs by assessing the financial needs for installing renewable energy systems (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines, biogas), biodiversity-friendly practices (e.g., wildflower meadows, hedgerow planting), and integrating these with emerging agricultural technologies [i.e. biogas machinery etc.].

· Examine the ongoing costs and potential revenue streams from food production, energy savings/sales, and biodiversity-related support or business opportunities [i.e. eco-tourism]

· Evaluate long-term savings from sustainable practices, potential increases in farm productivity, and enhanced ecosystem services.

· Assess potential financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

You will shape the exact research methods for this PhD, but these could include data collection from existing “integrated” farms, case studies, and pilot projects/demonstrations in the UK and comparable European regions [i.e. V4F demo and replication sites]. Data could include financial records, operational data, and farm manager and advisor insights. The construction of financial models under different scenarios (e.g., varying energy prices, policy changes, climate impacts) could be used to project potential financial outcomes.

In summary, integrating food, energy, and biodiversity on UK farms holds significant potential for creating more sustainable agricultural systems. While the initial investment and operational costs may be substantial, the long-term economic and environmental benefits can provide substantial financial returns on farms. The overall aim of the PhD is to create a framework for a detailed financial assessment to help stakeholders make informed decisions about adopting integrated farming practices.

The application deadline is 1st April 2025.

Eligibility

Applications will be considered from any candidate who holds at least a 2:1 or 1st Class Honours first degree or Master’s degree of good merit standard or above in a related subject. 

Due to funding restrictions, this PhD project is only open to candidates from the UK.

Funding

– 3 years

– Full fees at the Home rate paid, with a UKRI stipend (currently £19,237 for 2024/25), and £1,000 research expenses per year

How to apply

To apply, please complete an online application for a PhD in Ecology and Agri-Environmental Research in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development. Please upload a CV and Cover Letter with your application.

When applying, if the application system prompts you to submit a research proposal, please paste in the project title and move on to the next step in the application. When the system asks about funding, please enter ‘DRC24-132‘ in the relevant box.

Enquiries

For enquiries please contact: Prof Julian Park j.r.park@reading.ac.uk