Food and health-contribute of agri-food economics

The analysis of the relationship between food and health in a context of innovation, safety and welfare is carried out considering the view of agri-food economists. Relationships and meanings are addressed defining by the scope of observation and choices. We adopt a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the scientific contributions of Italian economists (publications, conferences, etc.) in this field. In particular we have examined the contributions published in some of the main Italian journals and the conferences organized in Italy and in Europe from the major scientific societies. We propose a classification that is consistent with the analysis and is in the span of time 2000/2007. The classification adopted for the analysis of the contributions of research exploits similar research carried out at the international level. By reading these studies we were able to process and define a model to interpret findings of the previous literature. An analysis of database information is useful to study: the type of investigation (case study, bibliographic, sectorial, generic, etc.) the branches of more diffused research (field production, retail, consumption, etc.), the types of adopted methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, etc.), the involvement among research groups (universities, public and private institutions, involvement of foreign researchers, etc.), the beneficiaries of research (pure research, policy makers, businesses, etc.). The results will be expressed on the basis of different approaches, tools and considering the possible exogenous variables affecting reality. The analysis will allow to identify the areas of research which involve the relationship between food and health and in which agri-food economists are more involved. In addition, we can describe the most promising areas of research which should be undertaken or strengthened. Attention will be placed also in highlighting the link between research and production in the broadest sense, to gather information about the level of its appropriateness.