Jochen Kantelhardt

Jochen Kantelhardt is a full professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), where he serves as Head of the Institute of Agricultural and Forest Economics and Head of the Center for Agricultural Sciences. He is an active member of the university senate and leads numerous research projects funded by the EU and national agencies.

Education:

• Habilitation, Weihenstephan Science Center for Nutrition, Land Use and Environment, Technical University of Munich (2008)
• Doctorate, Weihenstephan Science Center for Nutrition, Land Use and Environment, Technical University of Munich (2003)

His research focuses on agricultural and environmental economics, with emphasis on climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, agri-environmental policy, and sustainable farming systems. He investigates how farmers make decisions regarding soil conservation, biodiversity, and climate resilience, often using socio-economic modeling and behavioral analysis. His work bridges economics, ecology, and policy, aiming to improve the design of incentive schemes such as result-based agri-environmental programs.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward interdisciplinary studies on farm-level adaptation to climate change, trade-offs between biodiversity and profitability, and the effectiveness of policy instruments in promoting sustainable agriculture. He frequently employs advanced methodologies like Q-methodology, perception matrices, and econometric programming models.

Scientific Awards:

• Heinrich Baur Prize, Weihenstephan Science Center (2009)
• Award of the Bavarian Academy for Rural Areas (2004)

Prof. Kantelhardt leads major EU-funded projects such as VALOR, DIGITALISATION FOR AGROECOLOGY, and SHOWCASING SYNERGIES, focusing on public goods provision, digital tools for agroecology, and biodiversity incentives. He collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across Europe and contributes to policy advice through expert reports and stakeholder engagement. His research is supported by grants from the European Commission, national ministries, and public foundations.

He is actively involved in knowledge transfer, supervising academic theses, and participating in scientific conferences. He also contributes to public understanding through media interviews and popular science articles, particularly on topics like climate-smart agriculture and the economic viability of ecological farming.