Agri-food and Rural Economics

Cluster

RAPE, WINE AND BEVERAGE SUPPLY CHAINS, ECONOMICS, AGRI-FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, AND CROP PROTECTION

Description

The Group contributes to the development of new scientific knowledge on the economic, political, managerial, and appraisal-related aspects of the production, processing, distribution, marketing, and consumption of products from the primary sector (agriculture, forestry, and fisheries), as well as of the agri-food economy and agro-biotechnologies, and their relationships with the other components of the socio-economic and environmental system, within a perspective of circularity and sustainability.

The Group is also engaged in research on environmental impact assessment, the socio-economic development of rural areas, the dynamics related to urban–rural interactions and their planning implications, and innovation processes at the territorial scale.

Finally, the Group conducts research in the field of appraisal studies, both within the tradition of the Italian appraisal school and through innovative approaches, with attention to both national and international standards.

Research subjects

Agricultural economics and rural appraisal, with particular attention to evaluation models and productive and territorial dynamics.
Agri-food supply chains, with a specific focus on the dynamic interactions between firms and consumers, as well as on the regulatory and steering role played by institutions.
Multifunctional agriculture and ecosystem services, conceived as an integrated system in which the improvement of farm performance is closely linked to the redefinition of the farmer’s role, the provision of public goods, and the regeneration processes of rural areas.
Social farming and the One Welfare approach, regarded as strategic drivers for promoting sustainable development and fostering the socio-economic balance of rural areas.

ERC panels

SH1 Individuals, Markets and Organisations: Economics, finance, management
SH2 Institutions, Governance and Legal System: Political science, international relations, law
SH3 The Social World and Its Interactions: Sociology, social psychology, education sciences, communication studies