Prof Saunders is Director of the Agricultural Economics Research Unit at Lincoln University. She has 30 years research experience in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and has produced over 200 publications specialising in sustainable economic development. 

Her current research includes evaluating trade and the environment including assessment of international market policies and their impact on development. This includes developing and using the Lincoln Trade and Environment Model to assess impacts on trade of various factors including changing policy, market trends, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and the development of new technologies. 

Her research has also included the increasingly important issue of food miles. She has undertaken research for a wide range of private and public bodies both in New Zealand and overseas. These include the European Commission, the NZ Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Agriculture and Forestry, Environment, and Economic Development, as well as the NZ Treasury, NZ Trade and Enterprise, Fonterra, the NZ Meat Industry and other sector groups. 

Prof Saunders was awarded Economist of the Year in 2007 and was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit in 2009.

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