A comparison of CAPRI and SEAMLESS-IF as Integrated Modelling Systems

CAPRI is a modelling tool able to show the regional impact of global changes in agricultural markets on EU agriculture. SEAMLESS-IF shares some objectives with CAPRI but presents a completely different structure. Both quantitative systems share a backbone of model components linked together within a model chain. Whereas CAPRI originates as an aggregate economic model at average technology and is conceived as a pan-European tool, SEAMLESS-IF builds upon interlinked quantitative tools with a strong focus on biophysical processes. Both modelling systems are very demanding in terms of statistical data and engineering knowledge and consider the endogenous representation of agricultural trade as a crucial issue for calculating socio-economic indicators. The CAPRI approach to model agricultural supply, markets and trade, and embedded via CAPRI in SEAMLESS-IF has allowed the analysis of many policy options. The CAPRI and SEAMLESS-IF model chains combine different types of model linking approaches and deviate slightly in terms of model calibration. SEAMLESS incorporates forward looking impact assessment through CAPRI tools for baseline generation. In CAPRI, agricultural policies at farm level mainly comprise market measures and payments within the first pillar of the CAP. In SEAMLESS policies are extended to second pillar measures including region specific agro-environmental schemes through the FSSIM model component. Both modelling systems simulate farm type behaviour but place different emphasis regarding the type of link to biophysical models and the incorporation of observed farm behaviour. Although SEAMLESS-IF and CAPRI share similar objectives, they are developed within quite different software platforms. The two modelling systems face similar maintenance questions but have followed quite different development paths. Whereas CAPRI has a well-established model network, the SEAMLESS consortium faces important challenges in the near future. For this the interlinkages between both model systems might play an important role.

BRITZ Wolfgang;  PEREZ DOMINGUEZ Ignacio;  HECKELEI Thomas; 

2010-07-26

SPRINGER

JRC47848

978-90-481-3618-6 (print),    978-90-481-3619-3,   

http://www.springerlink.com/content/u56505v2325535l4/,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC47848,   

10.1007/978-90-481-3619-3_11,