Agricultural Price Formation in Theory and Reality

Book excerpt: The thirteen chapters in this book introduce students to the theory and analysis of price determination in markets for agricultural and food products, and in markets for the main factors of production in agriculture – land, labour and capital. The book is targeted at advanced BSc as well as MSc students. It covers neoclassical economic theory as well as the many unique institutions and policies that affect agricultural price determination. The chapters cover important characteristics of agricultural and food markets and prices, such as the role of institutions and organisations for agricultural price formation, imperfect competition, the role of technical change, retail pricing, price volatility and futures markets. The included case studies and exercises will enable students to apply what they have learned and test their comprehension.