The smooth functioning of the agriculture and food system requires good market analysis and appropriate policy and program development and management in the public sector. Agricultural economists are called upon to perform these tasks, utilizing their knowledge of the economic forces that affect the industry and the methods of analysis to predict the outcome of the numerous changes that occur. The agricultural systems orientation is intended to provide students with a broad understanding of the many dimensions of agriculture and food systems, including economic development, international agriculture, and food and agricultural policy.