Louis Lab wins the 2026 IFAMA World Best Paper in Ireland
By Jose Briceño, Communication Specialist | Lima, Perú – June 30, 2026
Louis Lab is proud to announce that our research article, “Emission Leakages Through Trade-Induced Land-Use Changes May Undermine the Emission Mitigation Effectiveness of Dietary Shifting and Afforestation Policy in China,” was awarded World Best Research Paper at the 2026 International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) World Conference in Cork, Ireland (June 18, 2026).
The study examines how domestic emission mitigation strategies, including healthier dietary transitions and afforestation programs, can unintentionally shift agricultural production abroad through international trade. These trade-induced land-use changes may generate emission leakages, reducing the overall effectiveness of domestic mitigation policies. Using an integrated applied general equilibrium model, the study evaluates the interactions among food systems, international trade, land use, forestry, and climate policies to assess their impacts on agricultural production, land use, emissions, and food security.
During the Academic Symposium, Dr. Luis Peña-Lévano presented the study to researchers from around the world, highlighting how coordinated international policies are needed to reduce emission leakages while balancing environmental goals with agricultural production and food security. The research demonstrates that although dietary shifts and afforestation policies can reduce domestic emissions, they may also increase agricultural expansion and associated emissions in trading partner countries if international market responses are not considered.
This achievement reflects the outstanding collaboration of our international research team. The study was conducted by Dr. Weitong Long, Dr. Xueqin Zhu, Dr. Yong Hou, Dr. Luis Peña-Lévano, Dr. Luis Garcia-Covarrubias, and Dr. Karl-Friedrich Boy. Louis Lab also recognizes the contributions of our Media and Design Team. Victor Queirolo developed the graphic design and visual materials supporting the project, while José Briceño contributed to the presentation design and visual communication materials used throughout the conference.
This award also marks a historic milestone for Dr. Luis Peña-Lévano. With this recognition, he becomes the first person to achieve IFAMA’s «trifecta» of major international honors: the 2023 IFAMA Rising Star Award, the 2025 IFAMA World Best Teaching Case Award, and now the 2026 IFAMA World Best Paper Award. This accomplishment reflects sustained excellence in research, teaching, and leadership within the international IFAMA community.
Louis Lab sincerely thanks the IFAMA organizers, reviewers, judges, and conference participants for recognizing our research. We are honored to contribute to advancing knowledge in agribusiness and agricultural economics.