Institute of Agricultural Development in Central- and Eastern Europe

As part of the upheaval in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, profound political, economic and social changes have taken place, affecting, among other things, the agro-food sector. Following a proposal from Germany´s science council to provide an academic framework for these transformation processes, the Institute of Agricultural Development in Central and Eastern Europe (IAMO) was founded in Halle/Saale on 8th November 1994. IAMO is a public foundation. As a research institute it is not part of any university and is affiliated to the scientific community "Wilhelm Gottfried Leibniz".
Halle was chosen for two reasons. Firstly, to be able to build on long-established links between the new Länder and the countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Secondly, because Halle offers the opportunity of close cooperation in the areas of research and teaching with the Faculty of Agriculture of the Martin-Luther-Universität (MLU). Among other things examples of this cooperation are teaching appointments for IAMO´s Heads of Department.

IAMO has three major objectives: to provide an academic framework for the transformation processes taking place in the agricultural sector in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe; to make research-based forecasts; to help finding solutions to the problems facing these countries. IAMO´s main academic focus is, however, on applied research and especially the following areas:

• examining the economic and social implications of these processes
  
• providing guidance for those involved in the transformation process
  
• training and supporting new academics
  
• sharing research findings by means of publications, international cooperation and conferences

For the undertaking of research tasks and the realization of interdisciplinary research projects, IAMO has been developing close academic links with departments of economics and agricultural economics in research institutes from Central and Eastern Europe, Germany and western Europe.

Structure of the IAMO

IAMO is responsible to the advisory board, which first met on 28th March 1996 in accordance with article 7 of its constitution. Its members are representatives from the federal government and the state of Sachsen-Anhalt, as well as academics.

The advisory board´s tasks are: to audit the economic management of the institute; to approve the annual budget; to supervise and approve the activities of the executive board. The advisory board also gives support to IAMO´s long-term research and development planning. IAMO is divided into three research departments, according to its major areas of research. The Heads of Department together with the Head of Department for Administration and Central Services form the institute´s executive board. They are responsible for running the institute, as well as for long-term research and development planning in agreement with the advisory board.

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Peter Tillack - Executive Director

Dr. Peter Weingarten - Acting head of Department External Environment for Agriculture and Policy Analysis (RAP)
(Prof. Dr. Klaus Frohberg , the head of the department , is on leave)

PD Dr. Heinrich Hoffmann - Acting head of Department for Agricultural Markets, Marketing and World Agricultural Trade (AAW)

PD Dr. Alfons Balmann - Head of Department for Structural Development of Farms and Rural Areas (BSE)

Dipl.-Ök. Hannelore Zerjeski - Administrative Head and Head of Department for Administration, Central Services and Technical Support

Institute of Agricultural Development in Central- and Eastern Europe
Theodor-Lieser-Straße 2
06120 Halle (Saale)
Tel: +49 (0)345 / 29 28 - 0
Fax: +49 (0)345 / 29 28 199

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