Maria do Mar Perez Fra

Maria do Mar Pérez Fra is a Professor at the Department of Applied Economics, University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Higher Polytechnic School of Engineering and the Institute of Studies and Development of Galicia (IDEGA). Her work focuses on agrarian change, rural development policy, and socio-economic analysis of agricultural systems.

Educational Background:

• Masters in Local Development Management (University of Santiago de Compostela, 1994)
• PhD in Economic Sciences (University of Santiago de Compostela, 2003) with thesis on the LEADER initiative's impact on rural areas in Galicia and Northern Portugal

Research Interests: Maria's research spans rural development policy, agro-environmental schemes, social economy, and sustainable agricultural practices. She has extensively studied the LEADER and PRODER programs, focusing on civic participation, territorial adaptation, and policy effectiveness. Her work also addresses water management, community resilience, and gender dynamics in agricultural contexts.

Recent Publications demonstrate expertise in:

• Agroecological markets (2024-2025)
• Grass-fed beef economic models (2024)
• Organic farming under EU Green Deal (2024)
• Urban agriculture practices (2024)
• Pandemic-era educational adaptation (2023)
• Community resilience in socioecological transitions (2022)

Professional Contributions: She coordinated the Rural Development Program 2007-2013 for Galicia and served as Head of Coordination and Planning for the Galician Agency for Rural Development (2005-2007). Maria has participated in international research collaborations across Portugal, Ireland, Brazil, and Mexico, focusing on rural policy frameworks and sustainability practices.