Economics and Policies of the Food System
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to equip students with economic frameworks and analytical methodologies for examining the agri-food market and the vertical structure of supply chains. It also provides insight into key challenges within the food system, such as undernutrition, overnutrition, and environmental sustainability, as well as an understanding of EU policies and major policy instruments.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to examine and propose solutions to the most common issues in the agri-food market based on their understanding of food supply chain organization, consumption dynamics, and EU food policy.
Lesson period: First 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
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Part One: The Agri-Food System
Economic analysis of the agri-food system
Economic analysis of food consumption
Qualitative attributes of food products
Internationalization and trade of agri-food products
Vertical organization of agri-food supply chains
Part Two: Main Issues in the Agri-Food System
Environmental sustainability and climate change: challenges for agri-food system
Circular economy and bioeconomy
Issues of undernutrition: economic aspects of hunger
Issues of overnutrition: economic aspects of obesity
Part Three: Agri-Food Policies
Market failures
Agri-food policies and public intervention
Economic issues of food labeling
Economic analysis of main front-of-pack labels (FOP)
Economic analysis of food safety
Economic analysis of traceability and its effects on vertical supply chain organization
Economic analysis of food quality and related EU policies
Economic analysis of the agri-food system
Economic analysis of food consumption
Qualitative attributes of food products
Internationalization and trade of agri-food products
Vertical organization of agri-food supply chains
Part Two: Main Issues in the Agri-Food System
Environmental sustainability and climate change: challenges for agri-food system
Circular economy and bioeconomy
Issues of undernutrition: economic aspects of hunger
Issues of overnutrition: economic aspects of obesity
Part Three: Agri-Food Policies
Market failures
Agri-food policies and public intervention
Economic issues of food labeling
Economic analysis of main front-of-pack labels (FOP)
Economic analysis of food safety
Economic analysis of traceability and its effects on vertical supply chain organization
Economic analysis of food quality and related EU policies
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of microeconomics.
Teaching methods
The course includes:
- Lectures aimed at providing fundamental knowledge on the agri-food system, related economic issues, and intervention policies
- Classroom discussions on specific topics to help students acquire appropriate terminology, develop critical thinking, and contextual analysis skills
- Lectures aimed at providing fundamental knowledge on the agri-food system, related economic issues, and intervention policies
- Classroom discussions on specific topics to help students acquire appropriate terminology, develop critical thinking, and contextual analysis skills
Teaching Resources
- Teaching materials used in class will be available on the course's MyARIEL webpage.
- Scientific articles and/or book chapters will be indicated or directly provided for individual study, in-depth exploration of specific topics, and for project work during practical sessions.
Provided Materials:
- Instructor's slides
- Scientific literature and/or book chapters as indicated by the instructor
- Scientific articles and/or book chapters will be indicated or directly provided for individual study, in-depth exploration of specific topics, and for project work during practical sessions.
Provided Materials:
- Instructor's slides
- Scientific literature and/or book chapters as indicated by the instructor
Assessment methods and Criteria
- Oral exam covering the course topics
- Exam registration via the UNIMIA system is mandatory
- Grades will be on a 30-point scale and recorded through the university's exam system
- Six exam sessions are guaranteed annually
Oral exam evaluation criteria:
- Knowledge of fundamental concepts discussed in the course
- Use of correct terminology
- Completeness of responses
- Demonstrated understanding of course content
- Critical and integrated approach to course concepts
Specific procedures are available for students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities (SLD), as detailed at:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-disabilities
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld
To access these services, students must email the instructor at least 15 days before the exam, copying the appropriate office ([email protected] or [email protected]).
- Exam registration via the UNIMIA system is mandatory
- Grades will be on a 30-point scale and recorded through the university's exam system
- Six exam sessions are guaranteed annually
Oral exam evaluation criteria:
- Knowledge of fundamental concepts discussed in the course
- Use of correct terminology
- Completeness of responses
- Demonstrated understanding of course content
- Critical and integrated approach to course concepts
Specific procedures are available for students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities (SLD), as detailed at:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-disabilities
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld
To access these services, students must email the instructor at least 15 days before the exam, copying the appropriate office ([email protected] or [email protected]).
AGR/01 - AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RURAL APPRAISAL - University credits: 7
Lessons: 56 hours
Shifts: