We consider our mission to be:
To promote the quality of food, the living environment and living conditions within international society.
We share this mission with the Social Sciences Department of Wageningen University, with which we form the Social Sciences Group.
LEI works for government and industry developing economic knowledge in the fields of food, agriculture and green space. By undertaking committed, independent and reliable research, we provide support for clients faced with making socially and strategically sound policy choices.
Our research is conducted in close contact with clients and other parties involved. Our expertise is based on comprehensive knowledge of the sector and the applied use of concepts and techniques from economic and social sciences. Our work field covers the agricultural sector, fisheries, nature management and the use of green space. All links in the chain from consumer to producer are involved. An increasing proportion of our research focuses on international issues.
Besides strategic research for long-term policy, we conduct research targeting more operational issues concerning the management of sectors and businesses and the management of rural areas. We also conduct statutory research tasks for the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. This includes providing annual reports about income development, environmental performance and structural changes in agriculture and horticulture, as well as managing a related Farm Accountancy Data Network.