The General Editorial Policies
AgEcon Frontiers is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity, transparency, and scholarly excellence in the dissemination of research related to agricultural economics, policy, and rural transformation. The journal’s editorial policies ensure fairness, quality, and ethical conduct throughout the publication process, from submission to post-publication review.
1. Editorial Oversight and Governance
The Editorial Board of AgEcon Frontiers provides strategic direction and ensures the journal’s academic quality and relevance. Led by the Editor-in-Chief and supported by Associate Editors, the board oversees manuscript selection, peer review coordination, and final editorial decisions. Each member is responsible for maintaining impartiality and confidentiality while promoting diversity of thought, regional representation, and methodological innovation. The board also upholds the journal’s mission to foster interdisciplinary research that bridges economic theory, policy application, and sustainable development practice. Learn more=>
2. Role and Responsibilities of Reviewers
Peer reviewers play a central role in ensuring the scientific rigor and credibility of published research. Reviewers are selected based on expertise, experience, and alignment with the manuscript’s subject area. They are expected to provide fair, objective, and constructive feedback within the designated timeframe, while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Reviewers evaluate manuscripts for originality, methodological soundness, clarity, and policy relevance. They must declare any conflicts of interest and refrain from using unpublished material for personal or professional gain. AgEcon Frontiers follows a double-blind peer review system to minimize bias and promote impartial assessment. Learn more=>
3. Role and Responsibilities of Authors
Authors are expected to submit original, high-quality research that contributes meaningfully to the field of agricultural and resource economics. All submissions must comply with ethical research and reporting standards, including transparency in data use, accurate citation of sources, and avoidance of plagiarism, fabrication, or duplicate publication.
Authors must ensure that all co-authors have made significant intellectual contributions and have approved the final version of the manuscript. In cases of funding or institutional support, proper acknowledgment is required. Authors are encouraged to clearly outline policy implications and practical insights emerging from their research to enhance its relevance for decision-makers.
4. Ethical and Transparency Standards
AgEcon Frontiers adheres to the ethical guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The journal promotes transparency in authorship, funding, data availability, and conflict-of-interest declarations. Suspected cases of misconduct such as plagiarism, data manipulation, or unethical research practices are handled through a fair, confidential, and evidence-based process.
5. Role of Readers and the Academic Community
Readers and academic institutions are vital stakeholders in advancing AgEcon Frontiers’ mission of knowledge exchange. The journal encourages open dialogue through post-publication commentary, citations, and academic collaboration. As an open-access platform, AgEcon Frontiers ensures that published research is freely available to scholars, policymakers, and practitioners globally, thereby amplifying the societal impact of agricultural and economic research.
6. Commitment to Quality and Continuous Improvement
The editorial office continuously reviews and updates its policies to reflect best practices in scholarly publishing. Feedback from authors, reviewers, and readers is actively welcomed to improve editorial transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency. Through a rigorous review process and ethical publishing standards, AgEcon Frontiers aims to serve as a trusted platform for advancing sustainable, evidence-based economic research that supports resilient food systems and agricultural transformation worldwide.