The course deals with the economic theory of the agri-food sector, recalling and discussing the assumptions underlying this theory and analyzing their implications and their degree of realism with respect to the behavior of agents operating in the agri-food sector (producers, consumers, processing industry and distribution). Particular attention will be paid to the theory of production costs, to the theory of demand and to the theory perfect and imperfect competition (monopoly, oligopoly and monopolistic competition). In this framework, all examples and case studies will be discussed with reference to the reality of the Italian agro-food system and the catering sector.
A specific focus will be addressed to the quality of products and services, with a special attention to the role of quality for in the agri-food sector and the European quality scheme of Geographical Indications. Starting from the Italian scenario, specific case studies of successful Geographical Indications will be presented with the aim of better understanding the strengths and the weaknesses of this quality scheme.
A specific focus will be addressed to the quality of products and services, with a special attention to the role of quality for in the agri-food sector and the European quality scheme of Geographical Indications. Starting from the Italian scenario, specific case studies of successful Geographical Indications will be presented with the aim of better understanding the strengths and the weaknesses of this quality scheme.
scheda docente
materiale didattico
• Relations between agriculture and the rest of the economy, with reference to the Italian agri-food sector
• Recalls of economics (market structures and consumption theory), with reference to analyse the demand for agri-food products at national and international level
• The characteristics of the agri-food consumption, consumers’ choices and certifications, with particular reference to the role of sustainability and quality as drivers of product differentiation
• The characteristics of the Italian agri-food system
• Recalls of environmental economics, with a specific focus on the relation with the agri-food system
Programma
The course deals with the economic theory of the agri-food sector, recalling and discussing the assumptions underlying this theory and analysing their implications and their degree of realism with respect to the behaviour of agents operating in the agri-food sector (producers, consumers, processing industry and distribution). Particular attention will be paid to:• Relations between agriculture and the rest of the economy, with reference to the Italian agri-food sector
• Recalls of economics (market structures and consumption theory), with reference to analyse the demand for agri-food products at national and international level
• The characteristics of the agri-food consumption, consumers’ choices and certifications, with particular reference to the role of sustainability and quality as drivers of product differentiation
• The characteristics of the Italian agri-food system
• Recalls of environmental economics, with a specific focus on the relation with the agri-food system
Testi Adottati
Recommended readings and offered, if available, on the platform MoodleBibliografia Di Riferimento
Teaching materials distributed by professorsModalità Erogazione
Classroom lectures Exercises Seminars Educational visits: 2Modalità Frequenza
Recommended frequencyModalità Valutazione
The written test is only scheduled for the first date of examination The following examinations will be oral only
scheda docente
materiale didattico
• Call for preference theory: utility, demand curve and classification of goods
• Income and substitution Effect
• Elasticity and Engel's Law
• Food consumption trends
Quality and market
• Competition and differentiation of products
• Market dynamics and information asymmetry
• Quality, preferences and utility
• Ex-ante interventions: policies, labels, standards and certifications and ex-post control measures
Geographical Indications
• Definition, diffusion, strengths and weaknesses
• Geographical Indications in the agro-food system
• Case studies
Programma
The demand for agri-food products• Call for preference theory: utility, demand curve and classification of goods
• Income and substitution Effect
• Elasticity and Engel's Law
• Food consumption trends
Quality and market
• Competition and differentiation of products
• Market dynamics and information asymmetry
• Quality, preferences and utility
• Ex-ante interventions: policies, labels, standards and certifications and ex-post control measures
Geographical Indications
• Definition, diffusion, strengths and weaknesses
• Geographical Indications in the agro-food system
• Case studies
Modalità Erogazione
Lectures, ExercisesModalità Valutazione
For attending students there will be a written test at the end of the course. The written test will consist of open or multiple choice questions on general and specific topics. For non-attending students (or even for attending students who prefer it) the exam will be oral. The oral exam consists of a question on the topics of the program.