AgriFood Economics, Policy and Regulation

Program profile

The agricultural sector is increasingly facing complex challenges. The sustainable production of high-quality food must be harmonized with economic interests and questions of food security for a growing world population. In this context, society has the growing expectation to appropriately consider all of the sustainability pillars, which is reflected in public discussions, for example on the decline in biodiversity. New technologies provide important momentum for technological progress and catalysts for overcoming the challenges, but these are often viewed critically by society, such as seen in recent discussions on genetic engineering. In addition, the agricultural sector is increasingly operating in international structures. This applies both at the level of markets (international interdependencies in the private sector) and at the level of politics (e.g. through a common agricultural policy). Finally, all this is happening against the backdrop of a changing climate, which further exacerbates the scarcity of natural resources and makes sustainable production more necessary than ever.

These are all reasons for the emergence of conflicting goals and new social challenges. To resolve these conflicts, well-trained sector experts are needed who have the necessary skills to constructively contribute to possible solutions with great competence. The aim of the M.Sc. AgriFood Economics, Policy and Regulation is to train such experts. With profound systems knowledge, which combines competencies on the technological and ecological level with social science knowledge, graduates recognize and understand the challenges and know which policy measures and incentives can be used to contribute to a solution.

Which further expertise and skills will I acquire?

By linking economics, politics, technology and ecology, graduates are able to recognize the complex interrelationships agricultural systems. Thanks to the skills acquired during their studies, they are able to identify which policy measures are suitable for steering agricultural markets and what effects and side effects these instruments can have. Due to the international nature of the program, students acquire communication skills and intercultural competencies, which are essential for their later work in this field. Graduates are also trained in scientific work and methods, which will enable them to evaluate the latest scientific findings.

Which professional opportunities can I take up with this qualification?

Career opportunities span a wide range from the public to the private sector, both nationally and internationally. Possible fields of work are, for example, in international organisations such as FAO or World Bank, ministries or affiliated authorities at EU, national or international level, in private companies in the agricultural and food industry (e.g. corporate social responsibility tasks), consulting, associations or NGOs. Graduates can also follow a scientific career.