Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
The graduate programs in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics offers opportunities for master of food, agricultural and resource economics (MFARE), master of science (MSc) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees. The thesis-based MSc and PhD are research-oriented degrees which require both course work and a thesis. The course-based MFARE degree requires either course work with a major research paper or course work alone.
The MFARE, MSc and PhD programs in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics focus on two major fields of emphasis:
- Food and Agricultural Economics
- Natural Resource and Environmental Economics
Administrative Staff
Chair
Andreas Boecker (314 MacLachlan, Ext. 53532)
aboecker@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator, MFARE
Spencer Henson (220 MacLachlan, Ext. 53134)
shenson@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator, MSc/PhD
Alfons Weersink (222 MacLachlan, Ext. 52766)
aweersin@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant
Jennifer LaPorte (311 MacLachlan, Ext. 52771)
faregrad@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Faculty
This list may include Regular Graduate Faculty, Associated Graduate Faculty and/or Graduate Faculty from other universities.
Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor
BA Ghana, MA Erasmus, PhD Aarhus - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Andreas Boecker
M.Sc., PhD Kiel - Associate Professor and Chair
Graduate Faculty
John A.L. Cranfield
B.Sc., M.Sc. Guelph, PhD Purdue - Professor and Associate Dean (External Relations), Ontario Agricultural College
Graduate Faculty
Brady J. Deaton
BS Missouri, MS Virginia Tech, PhD Michigan State - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Glenn Fox
B.Sc., M.Sc. Guelph, PhD Minnesota - Professor Emeritus
Associated Graduate Faculty
Getu Hailu
B.Sc., M.Sc. Alemaya, PhD Alberta - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Spencer Henson
B.Sc., PhD Reading - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Alan Ker
BA Waterloo, M.Sc. Guelph, PhD North Carolina - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Yu Na Lee
BBA, MA Yonsei, MS Cornell, MS California, PhD Minnesota - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Tongzhe Li
AE Melbourne, MS North Carolina A&T State, PhD Washington State - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Jose Nuno-Ledesma
BECON de Guadalajara, MS Minnesota-Twin Cities, PhD Purdue - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Rakhal C. Sarker
B.Sc., M.Sc. Bangladesh, PhD Guelph - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Michael von Massow
BA Manitoba, B.Sc., M.Sc. Guelph, PhD McMaster - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Alfons J. Weersink
B.Sc. Guelph, M.Sc. Montana State, PhD Cornell - Professor
Graduate Faculty
MFARE Program
Admission Requirements
All students entering the MFARE program must have achieved the University required minimum 70% (B-) average or equivalent. In addition, they are expected to have already taken, the following basic courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON*2310 | Intermediate Microeconomics (or equivalent) | 0.50 |
| ECON*2770 | Introductory Mathematical Economics (or equivalent) | 0.50 |
| ECON*3740 | Introduction to Econometrics (or equivalent) | 0.50 |
| Advanced microeconomic theory at the undergraduate level is strongly recommended as preparation for the course work in the MFARE program. | ||
The Graduate Program Committee examines each application before the student is proposed to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for admission into the program.
Program Requirements
The MFARE program provides an alternative pathway to graduate education related to the economies of food, agriculture, and natural resources, with an emphasis on skills acquisition and development of industry specific expertise. Through expanded course work requirements students develop a breadth of exposure to empirical methods and analytical approaches to undertaking policy analysis and research, and enhanced communication skills.
All MFARE students in the Department are required to establish an Advisory Committee and submit the Advisory Committee Appointment form to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies no lather than the mid-point of the student's second registered semester. Until that time, they are advised by the FARE Graduate Program Coordinator.
The Advisory Committee comprises of at least two graduate faculty members, the chair of which is normally the Advisor of the student's program. The other member may be from the Department of another member of graduate faculty (who may be from another department when appropriate).
By the end of the first semester, students must choose one of the following two options.
Course Work and Major Research Paper
In order to satisfy the degree requirements of the course work and major research paper option, students will successfully complete five required courses, a seminar course (FARE*6800 Seminar in Agricultural Economics) and a research project course (FARE*6140 Major Paper in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics) and two graduate courses approved by the student's advisory committee.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1 | ||
| FARE*6100 | The Methodologies of Economics | 0.50 |
| FARE*6380 | Applied Microeconomics for Agricultural Economists | 0.50 |
| FARE*6400 | Advanced Topics in Agricultural Economics | 0.50 |
| FARE*6910 | Applied Policy Analysis I | 0.50 |
| FARE*6970 | Applied Quantitative Methods for Agricultural Economists (Required Courses) | 0.50 |
| Graduate Courses 2 | ||
| FARE*6800 | Seminar in Agricultural Economics | 0.00 |
| FARE*6140 | Major Paper in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics | 1.00 |
1 Assuming all undergraduate background requirements have been met.
2 As approved by the student's advisory committee.
Course work
In order to satisfy the degree requirements of the course work option, students will successfully complete five required courses listed below plus four additional graduate courses approved by the student's advisory committee. Students in this option are restricted from taking FARE*6140 Major Paper in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FARE*6100 | The Methodologies of Economics | 0.50 |
| FARE*6380 | Applied Microeconomics for Agricultural Economists | 0.50 |
| FARE*6400 | Advanced Topics in Agricultural Economics | 0.50 |
| FARE*6910 | Applied Policy Analysis I | 0.50 |
| FARE*6970 | Applied Quantitative Methods for Agricultural Economists | 0.50 |
| Four additional graduate courses approved by the student's advisory committee | ||
MSc Program
Admission Requirements
All students entering the Master of Science program must have achieved the University required minimum 70% (B-) average or equivalent. In addition, they are expected to have already taken, the following basic courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON*2310 | Intermediate Microeconomics (or equivalent) | 0.50 |
| ECON*2770 | Introductory Mathematical Economics (or equivalent) | 0.50 |
| ECON*3740 | Introduction to Econometrics (or equivalent) | 0.50 |
| Advanced microeconomic theory at the undergraduate level is strongly recommended as preparation for the course work in the MSc program. | ||
The Graduate Program Committee examines each application before the student is proposed to the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies for admission into the program.
Program Requirements
The aim of the MSc program is to develop in students a fundamental understanding of economic principles and their application in identifying and solving relevant problems related to food, agriculture, and natural resources. The program also strives to develop appropriate analytical, methodological, and communication skills to enable students to analyze agriculture and resource problems effectively and explain their findings.
In order to satisfy the degree requirements of the MSc, students will successfully complete six courses, a seminar course, and write and defend an original MSc thesis. The minimum course work requirements (assuming all undergraduate background requirements have been met) are:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| FARE*6100 | The Methodologies of Economics | 0.50 |
| FARE*6380 | Applied Microeconomics for Agricultural Economists | 0.50 |
| FARE*6910 | Applied Policy Analysis I | 0.50 |
| FARE*6970 | Applied Quantitative Methods for Agricultural Economists | 0.50 |
| Graduate Courses: | ||
| FARE*6800 | Seminar in Agricultural Economics | 0.00 |
| Two additional graduate courses as approved by the student's advisory committee. | ||
PhD Program
The PhD program in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics focuses on two major fields of emphasis:
- Food and Agricultural Economics; and
- Natural Resource and Environmental Economics.
Across these areas there is a focus on both developed and developing countries. Students in the PhD program focus on an area of specialization relevant to their thesis research, plus complete courses in microeconomic theory and economic research methods. All students must complete and defend a thesis in their chosen area of specialization.
Admission Requirements
Minimum University of Guelph admission requirements for a Doctoral program include:
- a satisfactory baccalaureate; and
- at the very minimum a 'B' average in a recognized Master's degree.
Students entering the PhD program are expected to have satisfied the requirements, or their equivalents, of the department's MSc degree in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics. All applicants are required to upload valid GRE (General exam only) scores with their electronic application prior to the departmental application deadline.
In cases where a student's master's degree is not equivalent to that offered by the department, the student may initially be accepted into the MSc program and may then apply for transfer to the PhD program at some time during the first three semesters. Applications for transfer must be supported by the Graduate Program Committee and approved by the Board of Graduate Studies. The student does not have to complete all the requirements of the MSc before transferring to the PhD program, but must achieve high academic standing.
Program Requirements
Students enrolled in the PhD program must successfully complete a program of at least ten taught courses that prepare them for the various elements of the qualification examination and thesis research, as outlined below. However, students that are able to demonstrate a satisfactory level of competence in any of these requirements may have these course requirements adjusted accordingly, subsequent to evaluation and the decision of the Graduate Program Committee.
Microeconomic Theory
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON*6000 | Microeconomic Theory I | 0.50 |
| ECON*6010 | Microeconomic Theory II | 0.50 |
Economic Research Methods
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON*6140 | Econometrics I | 0.50 |
| ECON*6160 | Econometrics II | 0.50 |
| FARE*6100 | The Methodologies of Economics | 0.50 |
| FARE*6970 | Applied Quantitative Methods for Agricultural Economists | 0.50 |
Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FARE*6920 | Applied Policy Analysis II | 0.50 |
| FARE*6400 | Advanced Topics in Agricultural Economics | 0.50 |
| Two other graduate courses approved by the student’s advisory committee. This could include: | ||
| FARE*6940 | Food Firms, Consumers and Markets II Markets II | 0.50 |
| FARE*6960 | Natural Resource Economics II | 0.50 |
| Or another 6000 level graduate course. | ||
Students may also be permitted to take other courses as substitutes for the above, subject to approval by the Departmental Graduate Program Committee.
Qualifying Examination
It should be noted that successful completion of the above courses is not necessarily sufficient for qualification to PhD candidacy.
Students are expected to complete successfully the qualifying examination in microeconomic theory that aims to assess a student's understanding of key theoretical concepts. Students are allowed two attempts at this qualifying examination. Students are expected to write the first attempt at this exam in the Summer semester of their first year and (i.e. their third semester in the program), if necessary, the second attempt in the Fall semester of their second year (i.e. their fourth semester in the program).Students that fail the examination at the second attempt will not be permitted to continue.
Collaborative Specializations
International Development Studies
The Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics participates in the International Development Studies (IDS) collaborative specialization. Please consult the International Development Studies listing for a detailed description of the MFARE/MSc/PhD collaborative specialization including the special additional requirements for each of the participating departments.
The MFARE program provides an alternative pathway to graduate education related to the economics of food, agriculture, and natural resources, with an emphasis on skills acquisition and development of industry specific expertise. Through expanded course work requirements, students develop a breadth of exposure to empirical methods and analytical approaches to undertaking policy analysis and research, and enhanced communication skills.
Courses
Alternative views on the methodology of economics are reviewed and assessed. The process of problem identification in the development of a research project proposal is investigated.
This course explores the structure and functioning of the agri-food sector beyond the farm gate, including food processing, distribution and retailing, and the implications for the functioning of food markets in terms of the price, quality and safety of food. The focus of the course is on the agri-food sector globally, such that it explores the structure and functioning of the agri-food sector in different geographical locations, at different levels of economic development, etc. The course examines the behaviour of actors within the food sector and the role of policies at the regional, national and international levels.
This course focuses on the assessment of technology choices in food and agricultural businesses. It positions technology assessment in the broader context of policy making and technology management. It exposes students to examples of the benefits of technology assessment and the consequences of insufficient technology assessment. Students learn and apply specific analysis tools that guide technology choice and implementation.
This course introduces students to the main concepts for analysis in Agri-Food operations and supply chain management, with special attention given to quantitative techniques to support decision-making. The course also includes qualitative case analyses and discussions that build on key concepts of operations management.
The major paper is an option only available to MFARE students registered in the course work master program. An original research project related to the specialization of choice in food, agricultural and resource economics will be undertaken. The project will include preparation of a written paper and an oral presentation of the findings to the faculty.
The objective of this course is to foster a deeper understanding of standard microeconomic concepts and their application to a wide variety of topics in food, agricultural, and resource economics. Emphasis is placed on what tool(s) to use in a wide variety of circumstances to address real life problems. Topics will include decisions by firms and consumers, market equilibrium, and production decisions.
The application of economic theory and various contemporary tools of economic analysis in solving production problems in the agricultural sector of the economy.
The aim of this course is to understand the nature of food security in developing countries and relations with the economic performance of the agri-food system. Towards this aim, the course focuses on both the agri-food system's role in the supply of nutritious food and its importance as a source of livelihood and as a driver of overall processes of economic development.
A reading course on selected topics of special interest. May be offered to individual students or to groups of students in any semester.
Students in the MSc and MFARE major research paper option program must give two presentations at the annual research symposium; one in their first year outlining their research plan, and one in their second year on their thesis research results or major research paper.
An overview of domestic and international agri-food policies and an introduction to the concepts and methods used to evaluate domestic trade policies.
A presentation and evaluation of advanced quantitative agri-food policy models and selected special topics related to domestic and trade policy evaluation.
This course examines the application of microeconomic theory to food markets. Topics covered include: optimizing behaviour by economic agents, the certainty equivalent profit model and decision making under risk, optimal capital replacement models and their application to food system economics, consumer behaviour with respect to food products and behaviour with respect to food products and behaviour of marketing intermediaries and food processors. New developments in the economic theory of the form are surveyed.
This course builds on Food Firms, Consumers and Markets I by extending the breadth and depth of student's understanding and scope of economic analysis. Advanced techniques in producer and consumer theory, as well as advance market analysis techniques are presented and utilized. Understanding of the research process and advanced methods is emphasized throughout.
Natural Resources I introduces conventional theoretical modeling approaches to renewable resources, e.g. fisheries & forestry. Seminal theoretical literature is discussed. Emphasis is placed on setting up economic models, deriving and interpreting general results. Applied methods include dynamic optimization and regression analysis. Additional topics include Land Economics and the property rights approach.
Natural Resources II reviews & extends conventional theoretical modeling approaches to renewable resources, e.g. fisheries & forestry. Seminal literature is reviewed and contemp. theoretical work and empirical papers discussed. Emphasis on extending economic models addressing natural resource issues - uncertainty, externalities & policy instruments, and derive reduced-form versions of forestry & fishery for empirical estim. & analysis. Primary method of math analysis involves dyn. opt. techniques. Detailed math derivations & proofs expected. Also- extinction, climate change, carb sequest.
This course exposes students to the empirical tools agricultural economists use when conducting research. Emphasis is placed on what tool(s) to use in a variety of circumstances. Topics covered will include advanced econometric techniques, optimization and simulation modelling. Students will also be exposed to the different quantitative software packages used in empirical research.
An examination of the institutional, theoretical and empirical aspects of international agri-food trade.
Students will develop econometric methods and models that will provide solutions to a "real world" economic problem posed by an economic firm. Along a second vein, students will replicate the empirical findings of a published paper central to their thesis. Advanced quantitative methods will be introduced.