Agricultural Economics, Rural Appraisal and Agricultural Policy

Module Agricultural Economics

The course provides theoretical and practical knowledge of agricultural economics: 1) Knowledge and understanding: The course aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the principles of agricultural economics through the study of the economic theory of supply and demand, market theory (with a particular focus on agri-food products), production and entrepreneurial decision-making, farm economic variables (costs, revenues and profits), issues and methods relating to farm planning, and decisions concerning farm investment, including through the discussion of business case studies; 2) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: the knowledge acquired will enable students to carry out an agricultural-economic analysis, to use sources and data from official and/or original statistics, and to draw up a farm financial statement; 3) Independent judgement: the course aims to develop critical thinking and judgement skills, including through the analysis of business case studies; 4) communication skills: the teaching activities (lectures and practical sessions) aim to encourage students to develop communication skills based on what they have gradually learnt, primarily through activities facilitated by the lecturer; 5) learning skills: the course aims to provide students with useful tools for understanding and analysing the teaching materials, so that they can continue their studies independently and identify multidisciplinary links with other modules in the degree programme.

Contribution of education to the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:

Goal 1 (End poverty), Goal 2 (End hunger) and Goal 12 (Responsible consumption and production):

Target 1.4: Ensure equal access to economic resources, services and property

Target 1.5: Build resilience to economic, social, environmental and climate-related shocks

Target 2.3: Increase the productivity and incomes of small-scale producers

Target 2.4: Make food production systems sustainable and resilient

Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources

Target 12.3: By 2030, halve global per capita food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses

Methodology:

lectures

practical exercises (in the classroom and at a company)

The course is delivered in a variety of ways, including lectures, in-depth seminars and collaborative work amongst students. In addition, there will be educational visits and practical sessions at companies.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, interested students may request a personal interview in order to arrange any necessary compensatory and/or adaptive measures, based on the course objectives and their specific needs. For further details on this matter, students may also contact the department’s designated CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Difficulties) liaison lecturer.

1) Pasca di Magliano R., Cicia G. (1995-1996): "Scelte economiche". E.DI.SU. Caserta, Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario

2) Torquati B. (2003): "Economia e gestione dell'impresa agraria". Edagricole

The assessment of the student’s preparation will be based on the following criteria: the student’s ability to learn and the depth of their understanding of the topics covered, their ability to summarise and present information, and their reasoning skills.

To this end, the following is envisaged:

- a final oral examination.

Grades are expressed out of thirty. The examination is considered passed if the student achieves a mark of at least eighteen out of thirty.

The assessment may also be conducted online, should circumstances so require.

The grading follows the following scheme:

Unsuitable

Knowledge and understanding of topic: Significant deficiencies. Significant inaccuracies

Ability to analyse and synthesise: Irrelevant. Frequent generalisations. Inability to summarise

Use of references: Completely inappropriate

18-20

Subject knowledge and understanding: At threshold level. Obvious imperfections

Capacity for analysis and synthesis: Barely sufficient capacity

Use of references: Barely appropriate

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter: Routine Knowledge Ability to analyse and synthesise: Is able to analyse and synthesise correctly. Argues logically and coherently

Use of references: Uses standard references

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of subject matter: Good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis abilities: Has good analysis and synthesis abilities. Arguments are expressed coherently

Use of references: Uses standard references

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Knowledge more than good

Capacity for analysis and synthesis: Has considerable capacity for analysis and synthesis

Use of references: Has deepened the arguments

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Very good knowledge

Capacity for analysis and synthesis: Has considerable capacity for analysis and synthesis.

Economic goods and needs

Supply and demand

Market structures

The production function

The cost function

Factors of production in an agricultural holding

Financial statements of an agricultural holding

Entrepreneur, holding and enterprise