The course deals with the economic theory of the agri-food sector, recalling and discussing the assumptions underlying this theory and analyzing their implications and their degree of realism with respect to the behavior of agents operating in the agri-food sector (producers, consumers, processing industry and distribution). Particular attention will be paid to the theory of production costs, to the theory of demand and to the theory perfect and imperfect competition (monopoly, oligopoly and monopolistic competition). In this framework, all examples and case studies will be discussed with reference to the reality of the Italian agro-food system and the catering sector.
A specific focus will be addressed to the quality of products and services, with a special attention to the role of quality for in the agri-food sector and the European quality scheme of Geographical Indications. Starting from the Italian scenario, specific case studies of successful Geographical Indications will be presented with the aim of better understanding the strengths and the weaknesses of this quality scheme.