Content
The module deals with the economic performance, efficiency, sustainability and fairness of
food value chains from an applied perspective. Key topics of the module may thereby include:
Coordination of supply chains (business relationships among different actors in supply chains:
role of contracts, hybrid organizations, producer organizations etc. Role of small-size farms and
farmers in local and global supply chains Market and bargaining power, (un)fair business practices
Role of food labels and certification Current trends and their economic implications. Examples are
the increasing relevance of regional/local products; healthy products; dietary trends. European-
level and national-level policies affecting agro-food value chains.
Learning outcomes
After successful completion of this module, students will have in-depth knowledge on how to
conceptualize, plan and conduct a research project in food (and related) value chain and their
governance. Moreover, students will be able to i) identify and structure a research topic, ii) procure
and screen relevant literature, iii) develop a study instrument; iv) write a scientific research report,
iv) present their findings in front of their peers as well as v) entering and moderating a scientific
discussion on their topic. The module thereby prepares students for the scientific analyses
conducted in their master theses
Examination
Grading will be based on a project with presentation in form of teamwork. The results of the
project are summarized in a written report (12-15 pages, 50% of the grade) and reported in an oral
presentation (20 min., 50% of the grade) with subsequent discussion.
Prerequisites
Knowledge in microeconomics
Teaching & learning methods
The module is a seminar and provides students with in-depth knowledge in the economics of
value chains, with an emphasis on agro-food value chains. The seminar starts with a series of
introductory lectures surrounding one or more selected state-of-the-art and policy-relevant topics.
Priorities are given to topical topics for which the interest and involvement of external institutions
(e.g., the European Union’s Joint Research Centre) can be insured. Activities are typically carried
out in parallel in coordination with other universities and students will have the opportunity to
collaborate and exchange with students from those universities. Guided by the instructor(s)
through the entire process, students will work alone and/or in groups to plan and carry out a topic-
specific research project (e.g., development of a survey instrument, collection of data/information).
Activities will include also literature search and scientific writing of a project report.
Media & reading list
PowerPoint presentations, economic textbooks, scientific articles
Allain, M. L., & Chambolle, C. (2005). Loss-leaders banning laws as vertical restraints. Journal of
Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization, 3(1).
Bonnet, C., & Dubois, P. (2010). Inference on vertical contracts between manufacturers and
retailers allowing for nonlinear pricing and resale price maintenance. The RAND Journal of
Economics, 41(1), 139-164.
Chauve, P., Parera, A., & Renckens, A. (2014). Agriculture, Food and Competition Law: Moving the
Borders. Journal of European Competition Law & Practice, 5(5), 304-313.
European Parliament (2009) Fair revenues for farmers: A better functioning food supply chain in
Europe, Resolution (2009/2237(INI))
Maertens, M., & Swinnen, J. F. (2008). Standards as barriers and catalysts for trade, growth and
poverty reduction. Journal of International Agricultural Trade and Development, 4(1), 47-61.
Maglaras, G., Bourlakis, M., & Fotopoulos, C. (2015). Power-imbalanced relationships in the
dyadic food chain: An empirical investigation of retailers' commercial practices with suppliers.
Industrial Marketing Management, 48, 187-201.
Menapace, Luisa, and GianCarlo Moschini. "Quality certification by geographical indications,
trademarks and firm reputation." European Review of Agricultural Economics 39.4 (2012):
539-566.
Ola, Oreoluwa, and Luisa Menapace. "A meta-analysis understanding smallholder entry into high-
value markets." World Development 135 (2020): 105079.
Ola, Oreoluwa, and Luisa Menapace. "Revisiting constraints to smallholder participation in high#
value markets: A best#worst scaling approach." Agricultural Economics (2020).Ronnen, U. (1991).
Minimum quality standards, fixed costs, and competition. The RAND Journal of economics,
490-504.
Russo, C., Perito, M. A., & Di Fonzo, A. (2014). Using private food safety standards to manage
complexity: a moral hazard perspective. Agricultural Economics Review, 15(389-2016-23512),
113-127.
Russo, C., Perito, M. A., & Di Fonzo, A. (2017). 8. The apparent paradox of unadvertised private
food safety standards1. It's a jungle out there–the strange animals of economic organization in
agri-food value chains, 161.
Saitone, T. L. (2012). Are Minimum Quality Standards Imposed by Federal Marketing Orders
Acting as Nontariff Trade Barriers?. Agribusiness, 28(4), 483-504.
Sexton R. (2017). Unfair Trading Practices in the Food Supply Chain: Defining the problem and
the policy issues. In Marcantonio, F. Di and P. Ciaian (Editors), Unfair trading practices in the food
supply chain: A literature review on methodologies, impacts and regulatory aspects, European
Commission, Joint Research Centre.
Vaqué, L. G. (2014). Unfair Practices in the Food Supply Chain: A Cause for Concern in the
European Union's Internal Market which Requires an Effective Harmonising Solution. European
Food and Feed Law Review, 9(5), 293-301.
Von Schlippenbach, V., & Teichmann, I. (2012). The strategic use of private quality standards in
food supply chains. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 94(5), 1189-1201.
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