Agriculture Policy

This specialization focuses on agricultural and natural resource policy development, implementation and evaluation.

The concern of the specialty will be on the agriculture legislation development process (federal and state), the regulatory process and the objective assessment of the impact of these policies and regulations on producers, consumers and tax-payers.

Integral to this specialization will be an international component aimed at fostering understanding of the role of U.S. agricultural policy in the global food and fiber arena.

Specialization Faculty

Specialization Coordinator: Dr. Alvaro Durand-Morat

  • Lawson Connor, Ph.D. (North Carolina State University), Assistant Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
  • Alvaro Durand-Morat, Ph.D. (University of Arkansas), Assistant Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
  • Qiuqiong Huang, Ph.D. (University of California, Davis), Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
  • Trey Malone, Ph.D. (Oklahoma State University), Assistant Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
  • Andrew McKenzie, Ph.D. (North Carolina State University), Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
  • Jeff Miller, Ph.D. (Oklahoma State University), Professor, Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology
  • Lanier Nalley, Ph.D. (Kansas State University), Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
  • Jennie Popp, Ph.D. (Colorado State University), Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
  • Sabrina Trudo, Ph.D., R.D. (University of Washington), Associate Professor, Human Environmental Sciences

Course of Study

This specialization requires twelve hours of post master's studies. Specific courses will be selected in consultation between the student and the student's curriculum committee. Examples of appropriate courses are:

  • AGEC 50603 Agriculture and Rural Development

    (Formerly AGEC 4163.) Examination of agricultural and rural development issues in less developed countries. Alternative agricultural production systems are compared, development theories examined, and consideration given to the planning and implementation of development programs. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both AGEC 4163 and AGEC 5063. Prerequisite: AGEC 1103 (or ECON 2023). (Typically offered: Fall)

  • AGEC 51303 Agricultural and Environmental Resource Economics

    An economic approach to problems of evaluating private and social benefits and costs of altering the environment. Emphasis given to the interaction of individuals, institutions, and technology in problems of establishing and maintaining an acceptable level of environmental quality. Prerequisite: Minimum of 3 hours Agricultural Economics or Economics at 3000 level or higher or PhD standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

  • AGEC 51503 The Economics of Public Policy

    This class will examine the impact of public policy on agricultural and other business sectors as well as households and individuals, particular in rural areas. Emphasis will also be placed on analyzing the potential impact of future policy changes. The course will focus on the application of welfare criteria and economic analyses to the problems and policies affecting resource adjustments in agriculture and rural communities. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

  • AGEC 52203 International Agricultural Trade and Commercial Policy

    (Formerly AGEC 4623.) Analysis of agricultural market competition and performance in a global economy. The impact of domestic and international agricultural policies on domestic and international markets and welfare. Economic principles applied to the interaction of economic events in the world food economy. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both AGEC 4623 and AGEC 5223. Prerequisite: (AGEC 1103 or ECON 2023) and (AGEC 2103 or ECON 2013). (Typically offered: Spring)

  • AGEC 56003 Food Economics and Health

    This course provides an advanced overview of selected topics in food economics, food and nutrition policy and the interface between nutrition programs and health policy. Students will develop an understanding of economic and policy concepts of food, nutrition, and health. The course emphasizes analytical tools that can be applied to study issues in food, nutrition, and health facing the US and world populations. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

  • AGEC 56203 Quantitative Food and Ag Policy Analysis

    Introduction to applied analysis of domestic and international food and agricultural policies using quantitative tools. This course will provide hands-on experience with simulation modeling in microeconomics. An emphasis is placed on policy analysis through computer applications with theoretical underpinnings. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: (AGEC 5103 and AGEC 5403) or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

    Through a special arrangement with the law school, students may take courses in the law school which are relevant to agricultural policy. Examples of such courses are:

  • LAWW 7260V Farmed Animal Welfare Law and Policy

    Examination of the legal issues involved in determining welfare standards for animals raised for food. In addition to introducing federal animal welfare and humane slaughter laws, state referenda, state law standards, and so-called "ag gag" laws are studied. (Typically offered: Irregular)

  • LAWW 7410V Food, Farming and Sustainability

    Survey of the complex legal topics that make up the body of agricultural and food law focusing on current issues of significance. (Typically offered: Fall)

  • LAWW 7860V Food Law and Policy

    An introduction to the network of laws that govern our food system. An overview of regulation by both the Food & Drug Administration and the USDA is provided. Policy considerations are discussed in light of current issues. (Typically offered: Irregular)

  • LAWW 7960V Agriculture and the Environment

    Agriculture is increasingly criticized for its impact on the environment. This course examines the tensions between the desire to produce food and fiber efficiently and concern for sustainability and the protection of natural resources. (Typically offered: Fall)