Agricultural and Food Economics Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Overview

The degree is taught by SMEA, the Graduate School in Agricultural and Food Economics . It has a long experience in research concerning agricultural economics and policy, the industrial organisation of the food sector and the analysis of the functioning of the food supply chain. This experience relates both to academic research and to support for policy-makers, since the researchers of the team have developed a long experience of collaboration with international organisations (i.e., European Commission, OECD, FAO and World Bank), government agencies and producer associations.

The Agricultural and Food Economics programme at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore  will prepare students to analyze the agri-food system and to operate in the various functional areas of businesses and organizations. The programme will develop professional knowledge and skills with regards to: 

• analyzing traditional problems relating to agricultural markets and food, evaluating the implications of agri-food and commercial policies;

• managing the liberalization processes and rules of free competition also within an international context;

• analyzing the behavior of final consumers with respect to agricultural and food products;

• understanding the different sectors of the agri-food system, the vertical relations and the coordination of the various phases of the system (e.g. agriculture, food processing and food retailing);

• managing emerging issues in agricultural and food production, including the safety of foodstuffs and the environmental impact of agricultural activities, the role of quality, information and traceability, the management of technical innovations, in particular biotechnology, and of the industrialization of agriculture;

• dealing with corporate and logistical problems that affect business functions according to the peculiarities of agribusiness companies.

Career opportunities

SMEA graduates are rewarded with various professional openings, all characterised by a strong international dimension.

Some examples:

• managerial positions in agri-food corporations (multi-national food companies, small and medium enterprises, retail chains);

• managerial positions in professional associations linked to the agricultural and food sector;

• consultants for agricultural and food companies;

• professional positions in international organisations;

• research positions in universities or applied research companies.