The LCSS IERD team is dedicated to advancing sustainable food systems through a range of research and development activities tailored to meet emerging food system needs and align with environmental priorities. IERD implemented several projects that introduced innovative approaches towards development of sustainable food systems (for example, sheep sector waste (wool) use for construction materials; participation of small and medium-sized farmers in public tenders). For this call, our team could conduct studies focused on investigating and employing sociocultural and legal factors influencing the acceptance and adoption of new foods.

The Lithuanian Centre for Social Science is a state research organization. Since 2021, the Centre has merged activities of three independent research institutes, namely the Lithuanian Institute of Agrarian Economics, the Institute of Law, and the Institute of Social Research. After the reorganization, the Lithuanian Institute of Agrarian Economics became the Institute of Economics and Rural Development (IERD). This institute brought to the Centre over 60 years’ research experience in the field of agricultural economics and highly qualified scientific research team. IERD scholars publish their high-level research in the Scopus and Clarivate Analytics databases, as well as participate in doctoral studies. IERD has a long track record of the applied research for evidence-based solutions, including projects that address the needs of public authorities, in particular the Ministry of Agriculture. Our research served as a basis for the decision-making on the Lithuanian CAP position and the development of the Rural Development Strategy for Lithuania, modelling of the CAP support measures. The Strategic plan 2023–2027 for Agriculture and Rural Development of Lithuania relies on IERD analysis of economic, social, and environmental situation, our team was involved in modelling of support measures. IERD experts participate in many working groups dealing with problems covered by different public authorities. Our researchers are members of international consortia and participate in international research programmes.
The description of the main IERD research areas is available at https://www.ekvi.lt/en/research-directions. IERD researchers also have expertise that allow them to join consortia that deal with 1st and 3rd topics.