Agricultural Economics and Policy
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course Economics and Agricultural Policy aims to provide the introductory bases of knowledge of the language, method and foundations of economic theory. Students will be introduced to the analysis of the technical-economic characteristics of the farm, and the theory underlying the analysis of efficiency. Finally, the module aims to investigate the general logic of agricultural policy with reference to the national and European contexts. The exercise and practice part will deepen the aspects of comparative statics of economic theory, and of the operational tools for the analysis of efficiency and the budget of a farm.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be able to know the main mechanisms that govern the markets for goods and services according to the economic theory. The student will also learn the characteristics that distinguish the agricultural firm and determine its efficiency. Furthermore, the student will be able to understand the dynamics of the Italian agricultural sector and the policy instruments at national and European level.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
The program and reference material will not be changed.
Most of the lessons and exercise will be held on the Microsoft Teams
platform and can be followed either synchronously based on the schedule
or asynchronously as recorded.
On the Ariel platform of the course will be made available to students
the didactic material: video recordings of the lessons and synchronous
exercises on Teams and related PowerPoint slides; possible PowerPoint
slides
with audio in case of asynchronous lessons or in-depth analysis.
The exam will be in oral form on the Microsoft Teams platform.
Most of the lessons and exercise will be held on the Microsoft Teams
platform and can be followed either synchronously based on the schedule
or asynchronously as recorded.
On the Ariel platform of the course will be made available to students
the didactic material: video recordings of the lessons and synchronous
exercises on Teams and related PowerPoint slides; possible PowerPoint
slides
with audio in case of asynchronous lessons or in-depth analysis.
The exam will be in oral form on the Microsoft Teams platform.
Course syllabus
Microeconomics
Theory of Supply and Demand and market equilibrium
The choice of the consumers and the choice of the firms
Elasticity of demand to price and income
Production function, production costs and elasticity of supply
Market failures
Agricultural Economics
Elements of firm theory
Farm and agricultural enterprise
The agricultural entrepreneur
The factors of production and the capitals of the farm
The structure and organization of the farm
The classification of the farms
Introduction to the budget
Theory of production costs
Business efficiency
Agricultural Policy
The Common Agricultural Policy from its establishment to the first reform (objectives, instruments, economic dynamics)
The first Mac Sharry reform
Agenda 2000 reform
Fischler reform and the "Health Check"
The new CAP 2014-2020
The evolution of the CAP: future scenarios
Practice
Exercises and practical applications of comparative statics
Calculation of the farm's budget
Calculation of the farm's production costs of a product of animal origin
Application of cost analysis in the farm
Analysis of business efficiency
The rents: regulation, function, frequency and contractual drafting
The Italian livestock sector: evolutions and perspectives
The European Union: history and main institutions
Common Agricultural Policy programming levels: community, national and regional
Lombardy region Rural Development Program and example of "Leader" practices
The agricultural policy instruments for the control of markets and incomes
The concept of multifunctional agriculture
Theory of Supply and Demand and market equilibrium
The choice of the consumers and the choice of the firms
Elasticity of demand to price and income
Production function, production costs and elasticity of supply
Market failures
Agricultural Economics
Elements of firm theory
Farm and agricultural enterprise
The agricultural entrepreneur
The factors of production and the capitals of the farm
The structure and organization of the farm
The classification of the farms
Introduction to the budget
Theory of production costs
Business efficiency
Agricultural Policy
The Common Agricultural Policy from its establishment to the first reform (objectives, instruments, economic dynamics)
The first Mac Sharry reform
Agenda 2000 reform
Fischler reform and the "Health Check"
The new CAP 2014-2020
The evolution of the CAP: future scenarios
Practice
Exercises and practical applications of comparative statics
Calculation of the farm's budget
Calculation of the farm's production costs of a product of animal origin
Application of cost analysis in the farm
Analysis of business efficiency
The rents: regulation, function, frequency and contractual drafting
The Italian livestock sector: evolutions and perspectives
The European Union: history and main institutions
Common Agricultural Policy programming levels: community, national and regional
Lombardy region Rural Development Program and example of "Leader" practices
The agricultural policy instruments for the control of markets and incomes
The concept of multifunctional agriculture
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required
Teaching methods
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching modality: frontal didactic and exercises.
Teaching modality: frontal didactic and exercises.
Teaching Resources
Lectures' slides
Mankiw N. G., Taylor M. P. (2015). Principi di Economia, Zanichelli, Bologna.
Iacoponi L., Romiti R. (2001). Economia e politica agraria, Edagricole, Bologna.
Mankiw N. G., Taylor M. P. (2015). Principi di Economia, Zanichelli, Bologna.
Iacoponi L., Romiti R. (2001). Economia e politica agraria, Edagricole, Bologna.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is writing in a 45-minute session. The exam is made up of open questions, multiple choice questions and exercises. The maximum score for the correct answer is indicated for each question.
AGR/01 - AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RURAL APPRAISAL - University credits: 6
Practicals: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Gaviglio Anna Antonia Maria, Marescotti Maria Elena
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)