Agricultural and rural policies

Teacher(s)

Van den Broeck Goedele;

Language

English
> French-friendly

Prerequisites

Introduction to economics, especially micro-economics (e.g., LBIR1260 Principles of Economics)

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.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	By the end of this course, students are able to: Understand the aims, decision-making process and history of agricultural and rural policies in the EU Understand how the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) deals with the economic, social and environmental challenges associated with agricultural and food systems in the EU Provide evidence-based argumentation on the functioning of the CAP 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. They are able to critically reflect on the CAP and provide evidence-based argumentation on how to improve it. They are encouraged to take up their role as engaged citizen in policy making, by improving their communication skills with their peers and contacting professionals in the field. With respect to the learning outcomes of the program in Bio-engineering, this course contributes to the following main learning outcomes: - 1.2: to know and understand the basic concepts as part of an introduction to economics - 3.1: to search for information on a defined and simplified scientific problem, to assess its reliability based on the nature of the source of the information and to produce a summary - 3.6: To demonstrate an ability to summarise and formulate conclusions on a well-defined scientific question. - 6.1: To understand and use scientific texts and literature and basic technical documents in French and English. - 6.2: To communicate information, ideas, solutions and conclusions as well as the knowledge and underlying principles, in a clearly structured, substantiated, concise and comprehensive way (as appropriate) both verbally and in writing according to the standards of communication specific to the context. - 6.6: To communicate effectively and respectfully with peers and teachers, demonstrating listening skills, empathy and assertiveness. - 7.1: To demonstrate intellectual independence of thought, to regard knowledge critically. - 7.3: To understand the key issues of sustainable development and to situate their own career in the light of these challenges. - 7.4: To demonstrate humanism, cultural openness and solidarity. - 8.5: To integrate new knowledge and skills independently (including methodological skills) in response to defined situations.

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