Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 April 2015
Research on environmental and resources issues is interdisciplinary by nature. For example, studying the economics of pesticides may entail working with both entomologists to address pest problems and toxicologists to address the human health problems associated with pesticide use. Interdisciplinary efforts require familiarity with the findings of other disciplines as well as direct collaboration with professionals in other disciplines. This paper presents a somewhat personal perspective on the issues that economists may encounter in interdisciplinary work. It also presents suggestions on how to increase the acceptance of economic thinking /theory by professionals in other disciplines. The paper starts with a theoretical discussion on relations between disciplines and between professions, followed by discussion of the issues affecting the relationships of agricultural economists with other professions.