The aim of this conference is to explore and identify effective methodologies, modelling and measuring techniques to analyse integrated systems. These systems are, by their very nature, complex and many interacting factors determine their development. It is now widely recognised across the scientific community and policymakers that issues such as climate change, biofuels and food security, impacts of agriculture on the environment, animal health and welfare, and agricultural policy and regulations are best addressed through an integrated systems approach. This timely and topical conference is being organised jointly by the Association of Applied Biologists, the British Society for Animal Science and the Agricultural Economics Society to discuss this rapidly developing area and share insights into how problems can be resolved. Conference participants will consider how recent research can enhance our understanding of how changes in the biophysical, economic and social environment are likely to impact on agricultural production and ecosystem services, and the wider implications for society.

• Tools of the trade, for example integration of biophysical and economic modelling, investigation of scale, linking static and dynamic models, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, data collection and availability, quality assurance.

• Lessons to be learnt, for example, case studies, building blocks of the system, linkages, application of models.

• The way forward, for example identification of strengths and weaknesses, deciding when integrated methodologies are appropriate.

Papers and posters from the conference will be reproduced in a volume of Aspects of Applied Biology, which will be available to delegates at the conference. Full papers will be encouraged to be submitted for publication in Annals of Applied Biology.