Key facts
UNE unit code: ECON435
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

This unit will equip you with an understanding of how prices are determined in food and fibre markets, and the forces that cause prices to vary.
By analysing market fundamentals, you will enhance your knowledge of supply and demand influences, as well as how alternative mechanisms affect the price formation process.
You will also gain an understanding of the complementarity between the analysis of food and fibre markets and agricultural and resource policy.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the economic theory underlying the behaviour of food and fibre markets;
- demonstrate a specialist understanding of the factors that explain price differences associated with different market levels, quality attributes, location and time;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the complementarity between the analysis of food and fibre markets and agricultural and resource policy;
- critically evaluate the economic implications of price or policy changes in food and fibre markets; and
- critically assess current developments in food and fibre markets from the perspective of economic theory.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Assessment 1 (Mid-term Exam) and Assessment 2 (Final Exam), and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Mid-term Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Multiple choice and short answer questions. There is a supervised exam during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Assessment 1 (Mid-term Exam) and Assessment 2 (Final Exam), and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Agricultural Product Prices
ISBN: 9780801452307
Tomek, W.G. and Kaiser, H.M., CUP 5th ed. 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
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