Food and Resource Economics (BSc)

The Food and Resource Economics (FRE) program combines economics, data analysis, business, and physical sciences to provide students with a unique set of interdisciplinary skills. Throughout the program, you’ll explore how economic policy impacts international food markets, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems in a changing climate. Students will combine economic and business models and the analysis of relevant data to address real world food challenges.

If you are a second-year entry student who registered before Winter 2024, please visit the restricted electives page for further course details.

Majors Offered

Explore the majors offered in the Food and Resource Economics program at UBC. For each major, you’ll find a brief summary of what’s involved, some courses you might take as part of your studies, career possibilities for when you graduate, and links to alumni who are using their Food and Resource Economics degree in their careers.

Data Analytics

A major in Data Analytics will provide you with a strong core in applied economics and data analysis. This combination is highly marketable to future employers since it is fundamental for the analysis of food markets and natural resource conservation.

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Business and Markets

The Business and Markets major is for you if you are interested in using applied economics to help you understand how market structures, business practices, and international trade impact food supply and security worldwide.

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Download Your FRE Roadmap (PDF)

Meet the Instructors

Karen Taylor

Lecturer, Food and Resource Economics

Jonathan Proctor

Assistant Professor, Food and Resource Economics

Joséphine Gantois

Assistant Professor, Food and Resource Economics (joint appointment with UBC IRES)

Matias E. Margulis

Associate Professor, Food and Resource Economics (jointly appointed with the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs)

James Vercammen

Professor, Food and Resource Economics (jointly appointed with the Sauder School of Business)

Carol McAusland

Professor, Food and Resource Economics
Food and Resource Economics Program Director

Frederik Noack

Associate Professor, Food and Resource Economics
Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Environmental Economics

Kelleen Wiseman

Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE) Academic Director

Sumeet Gulati

Professor, Food and Resource Economics

Richard Barichello

Professor, Food and Resource Economics

Meet Our Community

Tuan Hoang

Data Analytics

After my degree, I hope to apply my skills in food policy and market analysis to help build a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Donglin Li

Judith Haryanto

Bachelor of Science in Food and Resource Economics

Judith Haryanto earned her Bachelor of Science in Food and Resource Economics in 2024. Judith hopes to continue exploring her interests through work, graduate studies, or creative pursuits like digital art and writing.