Agriculture Economics Bus (AEB)

Survey course to critically analyze fundamentals and applications of sustainable agribusiness concepts. Local and regional food production, processing and marketing are examined. Comparisons of conventional and sustainable agribusiness technologies and management strategies are investigated through lectures, classroom interaction, case studies, field trips, and individual and team research projects. Critical thinking skills to enhance problem solving incorporates research, collaboration, oral and written presentations. Guest speakers from industry enhance the student experience.

Introduction to agricultural economics. Students will apply economic concepts to food production, marketing, global demand, food distribution, farm prices, and income to gain an understanding of how agriculture influences social, political, and economic issues.

Course outlines types of agribusiness organizations, enterprise and partial budgeting techniques, analysis of capital expenditures, and basic risk management tools applicable for Florida ranches and farms.

Participate in a series of field trips that will take students to between 8 and 10 farming and/or agribusiness operations. Purpose of the tours are to visit selected farms/agribusinesses and interacting with operation managers.

Introduction to the application of economic, marketing, and management principles of agribusiness operations. Course will cover basic financial management tools such as partial budgeting and outline agricultural supply-chains. Principles of strategic planning are discussed as it pertains to organizational structure, data management, pricing, leadership, crisis management, water quality and environmental sustainability goals, ethics, and human resource management.

Course highlights important financial risk factors in an agribusiness supply chain and discusses how crop insurance and commodity hedging can mitigate some of those risks. Capital budgeting and investment analysis techniques are employed to evaluate alternative management strategies for an agribusiness firm. An overview of financial institutions which provide capital to agribusiness firms is provided.

Examination of agricultural and food marketing from both a system and individual firm perspective. Explore problems and issues associated with marketing functions and institutions at the industry level and with objectives and strategies of farms and agribusiness firms which market agricultural commodities and food products.

This course is designed to help students understand international agribusiness marketing, develop a global perspective, and appreciate the unique requirements for success in international agribusiness markets.

Current topics of interest in agribusiness.

Practical application in a clinical setting of knowledge acquired in agribusiness coursework. Department approval required.

Students will conduct independent research on an agribusiness topic or with an agribusiness company, NGO, or government agency, on an agribusiness topic as approved by the center director.

The business of cannabis is examined both from the perspective of producing, processing and dispensing of medicinal products, and the emerging supply chains for all of the potential consumable products derived from agricultural hemp.