Research that may be carried out includes identification of competitive strategies of agribusiness firms that are successful in U. S. and international markets, analysis of the interaction between agribusiness firm strategies and public policies, and development of agribusiness case studies for use in management workshops. U. S. firms are preparing to expand exports of dairy products under the Uruguay Round GATT Agreement and the anticipated World Trade Organization agreement. Expanding dairy exports presents a challenge because many foreign competitors have early mover advantages. Faculty and graduate students are investigating models that U. S. firms might use to compete successfully in the new exporting environment. The organization and competitive behavior of the U. S. food system is impacted by various government policies.
Liberalized trade can be a substitute for antitrust actions.
However, trade and industrial policies are sometimes in conflict with antitrust policies. The role and impact of different government policies on competition in the food system are being examined. Faculty members within the department are actively involved in both theoretical and empirical analyses of the changing profile of the U. S. food consumer. Department graduate students can be active participants in research in these areas.