Lisa O’Toole

Project Title: Developing an Understanding of the Relationships and Methodologies in Contract Cropping Agreements

Overview: Contract cropping is “an agreement where a tillage farmer enters a contract with a livestock farmer to grow a forage crop such as maize or fodder beet” (Teagasc, 2017). Lisa’s research will identify the benefits and limitations of the methodologies used in contract cropping agreements and identify the key factors required to develop trust between the trading parties. She will also produce a cost benefit analysis for various contract cropping agreements, as well as the income potential for different stakeholders and devise practical recommendations for the sustainable operation of contract cropping agreements

Supervisors: Peter Doolan (Teagasc) and Prof Michael Wallace (UCD)

Location: Portlaoise