Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
simulator (APES). APES is a framework with components that offer simulation options
for different processes of relevance to agricultural production systems.
A bio-economic modelling framework is presented in Chapter 5. Kamel
Louhichi and co-authors present a generic farm system simulator that is sufficiently
flexible and generic to be applicable for relevant farming systems across Europe.
The system - FSSIM - is tested for a set of farms representing the arable farming
systems in parts of the Netherlands and France, allowing to analyse current condi-
tions and anticipate the impact of alternative policy scenarios.
In addition to advancements made in biophysical and bio-economic modelling,
SEAMLESS also made advancements in other modelling approaches. Chapter 6, for
example, introduces achievements made on a landscape visualisation component to
allow for exploration of landscape changes. Sébastien Griffon and his co-authors
present a tool a allowing the visualisation of changes in the spatial configuration of
the landscape, as for instance derived from a bio-economic farm model.
The use of typologies in impact assessment approaches is presented in Chapter 7
and Chapter 8. Chapter 7 makes use of a biophysical typology in agri-environmental
modelling. Gerard Hazeu and co-authors provide an environmental stratification of
Europe building largely on climate and altitude characteristics. Environmental zones
are combined with soil data and data that represent major obstacles for farming to
derive an agri-environmental zonation. In addition, Chapter 8 presents a regional typo-
logy based on socio-economic data. Ida Terluin and her co-authors capture regional
characteristics on the performance of farming based on economic development. The
authors argue in favour of including regional characteristics into integrated assess-
ments of farm performance and agricultural policy.
Chapter 9 presents how conceptual and technical integration has been achieved.
Jan Erik Wien and his co-authors present the major functionalities of SeamFrame, the
software architecture and implementation for the integrated assessment framework.
Ontologies and the Open Modelling Interface are cornerstones of the architecture.
Part III deals with the dissemination and use of integrated assessment modelling.
Experiences to test and evaluate integrated assessment tools for policy support are
presented in Chapter 10. Jacques-Eric Bergez and his co-authors identify the steps
taken from the evaluation of test cases towards the involvement of final end-users
in the evaluation process. The authors identify lessons learned from the evaluation
process and they conclude that transparency in the development and evaluation
process is key to the successful development and use of integrated assessment tools
for policy support.
Chapter 11 compares SEAMLESS-IF and CAPRI. Wolfgang Britz and co-authors
observe differences resulting from SEAMLESS-IF having a stronger focus on field
and farm level components stressing bio-economic and technological innovations,
whereas CAPRI adopts a more market-oriented perspective with full coverage of EU
policies. Major parts of CAPRI are treated as one component in SEAMLESS-IF.
Chapter 12 describes the interaction between science and policy in impact assess-
ment procedures. Ann-Katrin Bäcklund and her co-authors share their experience
obtained from such interactions and conclude that scientists have an important role in
the impact assessment process. The critical contribution of science is to demonstrate
