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Abstract
The MODERE, the Ministry of the Environment Irrigation Decision Model, is a simulation tool which
uses mathematical programming methods to reveal the implicit multiattribute objective function lying
behind the observed cropping decision. The model takes different criteria such as profit maximization,
risk aversion, avoidance of management complexities and so forth into account. In order to determine
the feasible combination of attributes of this objective function the model considers the production
possibility frontier explicitly as depending on market prices, policy incentives, availability of
production factors, water irrigation facilities agronomic vocation and other constraints.
Once calibrated the model becomes a powerful tool to assess the impact of different policy scenarios
such as subsidies decoupling, water prices modifications, irrigation technique substitution and so on.
The MODERE is a preference revelation model purposedly designed to be integrated in the Decision
Support Platform which is used by the Spanish Ministry of the Environment to compare the policy
scenarios which are relevant to assess the effectiveness and economic impact of the measures
designed to reach the environmental objectives of the Water Framework Directive.
The model is supported by a comprehensive data base built on purpose for its implementation
covering almost all the Spanish Irrigation Districts with high spatial detail. This model is currently
one of the important modules of the information and decision support systems developed by the
Economic Analysis Unit of the Water Directorate at the Ministry of the Environment in Spain.