Economics of Food Global Value Chain

This course aims to provide students with an advanced understanding of the functioning of Global Value Chains (GVCs) in the agri-food sector, with particular attention to the economic actors involved, qualitative analytical frameworks, and quantitative tools for measuring international production fragmentation. The course is positioned within the learning area of international economics and agri-food policy, in line with the professional profile of economists and policy analysts in the agri-food sector.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Dublin Descriptor 1 - Knowledge and understanding:
· Describe the structural features of global value chains in the agri-food sector and the main economic actors (multinational firms, exporters, buyers) operating within them;
· Explain the key economic theories of outsourcing, offshoring, and firm location decisions in the context of international economics;

Dublin Descriptor 2 - Applying knowledge and understanding:
· Apply qualitative GVC analytical frameworks to real-world case studies in the agri-food sector (coffee, fruit & vegetables, cocoa, wheat, etc.);
· Use the WIOD database and STATA software to measure international production fragmentation and trade in value added;

Dublin Descriptor 3 - Making judgements:
· Critically evaluate the economic and policy implications of GVC structures for producing countries and final consumers;

Dublin Descriptor 4 - Communication skills:
· Present the findings of a GVC empirical analysis clearly and convincingly, both in oral (group presentation) and written (essay) form, to specialist and non-specialist audiences;

Dublin Descriptor 5 - Learning skills:
· Independently identify and consult academic sources and international databases (WIOD, OECD TiVA) to deepen the analysis of GVCs in the food sector.