Students will understand economic concepts and policies associated with agriculture as well as the principles of calculating costs, profit and profitability. They will be competent in obtaining and utilising information based on feasibility studies. Students will also become familiar with the working environment of an agricultural entrepreneur and the significance of agriculture in our society, as well as with the administrative aspects of agriculture and professional and commercial organisation of the field. They will also be introduced to the main concepts of agricultural policies in the EU.
Student's Workload
Will be announced at the beginning of the course.
Prerequisites / Recommended Optional Courses
No previous studies are required.
Contents
- Economic concepts associated with agriculture
- Calculating costs, profit and profitability
- Managing an agricultural enterprise
- Information acquisition
- Profitability accounting and parameters
- Principles of agricultural policies
- Significance of agriculture in society
- Components of agricultural policies
- WTO negotiations
- Agricultural policies in the EU
Recommended or Required Reading
- http://www.mtt.fi/mttl/kirjanpitotilat.html.
- Karhula, Ylätalo, Ryhänen & Latukka 2002. Maitotilojen taloudellinen tulos ja kannattavuus 2000-2010. Dept. of Economics: University of Helsinki. Publication 37: pp. 157-166.
- Kola J. 2009. Maatalouspolitiikan perusteet. Maatalouspolitiikkaosio MAE 1 A. Lecture handout. Helsinki: University of Helsinki, Dept. of Economics and Management.
- Nissinen, Ryhänen 2011. Kilpailukykyä maidontuotantoon. Seinäjoen amk:n julkaisusarja A: s.13-18; 28-34; 43-49
- Lecture notes and other material provided by lecturer.
Mode of Delivery / Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
- Lectures: 50 %
- Independent study: 50 %
Assessment Criteria
Grading will be announced during the course.
Assessment Methods
- Active participation in lectures
- Approved assignments and exams