We're leading innovative research, outreach, and education programs in Illinois and around the world.

Research in ACE helps policy makers, businesses, farmers, and consumers to:

  • Improve the performance of commodity and speculative markets
  • Manage risk to farmers with innovative financial instruments and strategies
  • Improve agri-business outcomes through supply chain management
  • Make cost-effective improvements to environmental quality
  • Promote conservation of natural resources and energy efficiency
  • Increase food security in developing countries and the U.S.
  • Reduce poverty and conflict in developing countries
  • Address challenges facing rural communities in the Midwest and throughout the country
  • Foster consumer wellness in food and financial decision making
  • Glean knowledge from the new generation of “big data”

ACE Research

Supporting a better tomorrow
ACE research commercial ad commodity markets

Food, Agriculture, and Commodities

We evaluate food and agricultural systems, such as market price behavior, food demand, risk management, conservation and sustainability, farm management, financial markets, innovation and technology adoption, and policy impacts.
ACE research environmental resource economics

Environmental and Resource Economics

We yield knowledge about issues such as managing natural resources, designing conservation strategies, assessing the impact of climate change, and developing policies that improve society and the environment.
Family of four holding hands and walking through a field

Household and Health Economics

We investigate individual and household behavior in areas such as food, education, health, savings, financial planning, and retirement.
Collection of different countries flags

International, Regional and Development Economics

We study the role of government in economic development, poverty, marketing, international trade, and agriculture.
Students working in a court room

Policy and Law

We address critical issues related to agricultural, environmental, and food policy and law that have a significant impact in the United States, the European Union, and other regions of the world.
Two people shaking hands in front of a tree

Extension and Outreach

We provide programs and resources to support people, businesses, and our community.

Support Research in ACE

Your support of the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics helps prepare our students for future careers, empower our faculty to conduct impactful research, and support ongoing projects.

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