Mestrado em Economia Agroalimentar e Ambiental

The agri-food sector is strategic in a large number of countries around the world. This is because it is an important source of wealth and employment, and guarantees the supply of food. In addition, agricultural and livestock activities have a great impact on the environment and the occupation of the territory. Although the rural environment has diversified, it is still closely linked to agriculture, both economically and through the landscapes it creates and the culture it generates, and its development continues to be a great challenge. Additionally, the markets for agricultural raw materials tend to be unstable.

Climate change and the management of natural resources, particularly water, especially affect the agricultural sector, which represents a challenge in its sustainable management. With globalization, companies must make a great effort in terms of efficiency, differentiation and innovation to be competitive. This means that they must adapt their structures, improve their position in the value chain and adopt modern management, distribution and marketing techniques. At the international level, foreign trade and foreign direct investment represent an opportunity for growth. As for developing countries, it is necessary to consider the role of cooperation and agricultural and food security policies.

Analysis and research techniques from economics and social sciences provide instruments to help the agri-food sector and the environment fulfill their private and social functions.