Università Roma Tre

In line with the educational objectives of the course, Module 2 of “Made in Italy Agri-food: Economy, History, Culture” aims to provide students with the theoretical and interpretative tools necessary to understand the transformations of the agri-food economy within the context of globalization. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining international economics, global value chain governance, sustainability, and market analysis, the module examines the functioning of global agri-food systems and the growing role of international trade in shaping contemporary economic balances. Within this framework, the Italian agri-food Made in Italy sector will be analyzed as an emblematic case of the connection between product quality, territorial identity, international competitiveness, and cultural value. The module combines theoretical lectures, discussion of case studies, and laboratory activities focused on the collection and analysis of international agri-food trade data, with the aim of providing students with both conceptual and practical skills.
1. Globalization and agri-food systems: the global agri-food sector
2. Main theories of international trade
3. Structure and governance of global value chains (with case studies)
4. Old and new international trade agreements: how do they shape value chains?
5. Standards, certifications, and non-tariff barriers
6. Sustainability in global agri-food chains (with case studies)
7. Global crises and value chain resilience
8. Focus: Made in Italy agrifood
9. Laboratory session: where and how to collect agri-food trade data

• Krugman, P. R., Obstfeld, M., & Melitz, M. J. (2023). International Economics 1: Theory and Policy of International Trade (12th ed.). Pearson. ISBN 9788891931269.
• Scientific articles and reports on agri-food trade
• Lecture notes and slides provided by the instructor