Louis Lab is Awarded Seed Grant for International Research

Led by Dr. Luis Peña-Lévano and Rodrigo Panizza-Vasquez, the project brings together collaborators from UC Davis and FAO-Chile to examine some of the most pressing economic and sustainability challenges facing Chile’s beef industry. The initiative will explore how import competition and buyer concentration influence domestic prices, market fairness, and farmer livelihoods, while also assessing how different cattle production systems shape environmental outcomes, including carbon footprints.

Chile’s beef sector presents a compelling case for research because it is shaped by two major forces. On one hand, the industry is influenced by large buyers, particularly slaughterhouses and meat processors, which play a central role in price formation and market access. On the other, imported beef accounts for a substantial share of the beef consumed in the country, adding further pressure to domestic producers. Together, these structural dynamics raise important questions about competition, equity, and the long-term viability of cattle farming in Chile.

The project also addresses the environmental dimension of sustainability by comparing production systems that range from pasture-based operations to more intensive models. By linking economic outcomes with carbon footprint assessments, the research aims to provide a fuller understanding of how agricultural production can remain both economically resilient and environmentally responsible. In doing so, the team seeks to generate evidence that can inform policies related to trade, rural livelihoods, and sustainable livestock systems.

A major strength of the initiative is its international and interdisciplinary approach. In addition to UC Davis and FAO-Chile collaborators, the project will involve research consultants and four UC Davis undergraduate students from different disciplines. These students will gain hands-on experience in global research, including data analysis, literature review, and sustainability assessment, while working closely with mentors on questions at the intersection of agricultural economics, environmental policy, and food systems. The project is designed to create meaningful educational and professional development opportunities for the next generation of researchers.

By building a stronger partnership between UC Davis and FAO-Chile, the project positions Louis Lab to contribute meaningful insights on the future of livestock systems in Latin America while expanding opportunities for student training, global collaboration, and applied impact.