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Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation
FR

Economics and consumption

Responding to socioeconomic issues


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Economics examines a range of issues including the production, transformation and distribution of agricultural products. In this context, studies focus on the techno-economic and financial management of agricultural and agri-food companies. Research also focuses on consumer behaviour, organization-customer relationships and service quality. The analysis of policies, local and international markets, and rural and international development are also aspects that engage the research community. Consequently, agricultural economics calls upon multiple disciplines: agri-food, economics, management, finance, politics and marketing in order to respond to the different socioeconomic issues facing the current field of agri-food.


The consumer sciences focus on analyzing consumer behaviour, clienteles and problems related to company-customer relationships. Specialists in consumerism and the customer approach support the development of organizations. Better understanding the perception of consumers has become the primary issue for all enterprises. This field of expertise pairs various disciplines, including marketing, communication, statistics and economics, to guide its analyses to the greatest extent possible.

Professor-researchers in this line of research

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On topic!

  • "Studying consumer behaviour is fascinating it and of itself, but it is even more so due to the fact that we are all consumers. Studying consumers in their relationships with organizations, and whether or not to integrate the consumer perspective in the strategies and processes of commercial organizations is intriguing. We know that our work is useful."

    Marie J. Lachance

  • "Economics is defined as the analysis of the allocation of resources in a context of rarity. In other words, it is the fight against poverty and inequality. Agricultural economists are confronted with enormous resource allocation problems since nearly one billion people are malnourished and many more are overweight or obese. The hope is to find solutions to improve the lives of the world population, and this is what motivates me."

    Bruno Larue

  • "The level of collegiality that I have experienced between researchers in different fields of study has greatly marked my years in the FSAA. Our Faculty offers the possibility of multidisciplinary exchanges that are exceptionally rewarding and inspiring. Because of this collegiality, my research projects have covered pressing issues from farm-level production practices to consumer food choices, including the recycling and recovery of agri-food waste."

    Gale Ellen West