Agricultural and Food Economics Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Overview

The Agricultural and Food Economics programme at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore  prepares you to analyse and manage the agri-food system - from primary production through processing and distribution - using economic, policy, and quantitative tools. Based at the Cremona campus in Italy’s Food Valley, you join SMEA (the Graduate School in Agricultural and Food Economics) and benefit from its long history of research and collaboration with the European Commission, FAO, OECD, World Bank, and industry bodies.

What makes this programme unique?

SMEA research expertise: Learn from a world-renowned team of agricultural economists and scientists who develop tracking systems and policy analysis for the entire European food chain.

Food Valley location: Study in Cremona, at the heart of Italy’s fastest-growing agri-food region, surrounded by leading producers, cooperatives, and technology innovators.

Interdisciplinary curriculum: Combine economic theory, policy study, and supply-chain analysis with specialised courses on biotechnology, food safety, and environmental sustainability.

Applied learning: Engage in case studies, simulations, and an internship or research project to solve real-world challenges faced by agribusinesses and associations.

Career

Graduates of the MSc in Agricultural and Food Economics can work in many different roles, especially in international settings. Common career paths include: 

• Manager at large food companies, small food businesses, or supermarket chains 

• Manager in industry associations related to farming and food 

• Consultant for companies in the agriculture or food sector 

• Professional roles in international organizations (like the UN or EU institutions) 

• Researcher in universities or research centres