Agricultural and rural policies

Teacher(s)

Van den Broeck Goedele;

Language

English
> French-friendly

Prerequisites

Micro-economics (e.g., LBIR1242 Principes d'économie)

Main themes

The main topics of this course cover the socio-economic analysis of decisions made in terms of agricultural, food and trade policy, and rural development as well as their micro- and macro-economic effects. An emphasis is given to the study of the socio-economic and environmental implications of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union and its evolution towards a better targeted policy. This policy is compared to policies in place in other developed countries.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	With respect to the learning outcomes of the Bio-engineering in agricultural sciences, this course contributes to the following main learning outcomes: 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 6.4 and 7.1, and to other following learning outcomes: 2.2, 3.1, 3.7, 4.1, 6.1 and 6.2. By the end of this course, students are able to specify, explain and illustrate: ·       the rationales and implications of supporting the agricultural and food sectors in developed countries, ·       the institutional and political facts related to the evolution of agricultural policies, in particular the Common Agricultural Policy, ·       the theoretical foundations and methodological frameworks for performing policy analysis. Students are able to : ·       describe, quantify, and discuss the many socio-economic effects of the instruments of agricultural, food and rural policies, in particular the Common Agricultural Policy, using methods from the neo-classical economic and institutional theories. ·       formulate a critical view on the most common instruments of agricultural, food and rural policies. ·       develop and synthesise an analysis of the socio-economic effects of one particular policy instrument in one particular situation of their choice. Students have acquired the skills to examine the socio-economic effects of the instruments of agricultural, food and rural food policies, in particular the Common Agricultural Policy, using methods from the neo-classical economic and institutional theories and applying them for identifying the micro- and macro-economic effects.

Content

This course first introduces agricultural and rural policies in the EU, explaining their aims, the decision-making process behind them and how they have evolved over time. Specific attention is paid to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and how it deals with the economic, social and environmental challenges associated with EU food systems. Next, students become aware how these policies are embedded in and shape our daily lives through the discussion of recent news articles. Finally, we zoom in on specific objectives of the CAP (environment, nutrition and health, rural development, trade and development). Students learn to assess how effective and efficient the CAP is in realizing these objectives through theory lectures and group discussions of scientific papers.

Teaching methods

Teaching in class using slides, discussions in small groups, presentations to larger group

Evaluation methods

Submission of a letter addressed to DG-AGRI, commenting on the CAP: counting for 75% of overall grade
Class participation with submission of news articles and preparation for discussion of scientific papers: counting for 25% of overall grade

Other information

Course is taught in English but it is French friendly, meaning that students can ask questions in French and respond in French during exam.

Online resources

Slides and scientific papers on Moodle

Bibliography

Slide shows and scientific papers available on Moodle

Teaching materials

• Slide shows and a selection of scientific papers available on Moodle

Faculty or entity

AGRO