Areas of Specialization
The Zwick Center provides information on important trends and research-based insights into key issues affecting food systems, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and regional economic development. Our areas of specialization reflect the complex and evolving challenges facing today’s communities. Through collaborative research and outreach, the Zwick Center addresses these challenges by examining topics such as land and water conservation, farm labor and technology, food marketing, and the role of health and community development in local economies. Our goal is to provide practical, data-driven information for individuals, businesses, and policymakers working to strengthen food and resource systems in Connecticut and beyond.
Environmental Policy and Challenges
We analyze how environmental challenges such as climate change, energy use, extreme weather events, and disaster risk, affect people, ecosystems, and markets. Our research helps design effective, evidence-based environmental policies that improve public wellbeing and resource sustainability.
Key Words: Energy · Waste Management · Climate Shocks · Natural Disasters · Pollution · Resilience
Natural Resources: Conservation and Use
Our work explores the economics of managing natural resources, from farmland and forests to water systems. We provide insights into how land and water are used, conserved, and allocated, helping inform policy decisions that balance ecological health and economic needs.
Key Words: Land Use · Water Use · Resource Allocation · Conservation
Food Systems
We examine how food is produced, distributed, accessed, and consumed. Our research spans food security, nutrition, food policy, and the sustainability of regional and national food systems.
Key Words: Food Access · Nutrition · Food Policy · Supply Chains · Consumer Behavior · Food Security
Agriculture
We investigate trends in farm production, labor, costs, technology, and regulation. Our research supports farmers, policymakers, and businesses with data-driven insights into the structure and future of agriculture in Connecticut and beyond.
Key Words: Production Costs · Farm Labor · Technology · Agricultural Sustainability · Risk Management
Markets, Trade, and Agribusiness
We study how agricultural, and food markets operate, locally and regionally, and how businesses respond to policy, price, and consumer trends. Our research supports competitive, transparent, and resilient agri-food value chains.
Key Words: Pricing· Value Chains · Retail and Wholesale Markets · Trade Policy · Agribusiness Strategy · Supply Chains · Food Marketing · Farm Management
Economic Development, Health, and Community
We explore how local economies grow and adapt, focusing on the connections between economic opportunity, public health, and community wellbeing. Our work aims to support inclusive and sustainable development across urban and rural areas.
Key Words: Regional Development· Public Health · Labor Markets · Community Resilience
Research for the Real World