Giuseppe Cucuzza

Giuseppe Cucuzza serves as Associate Professor of Agricultural and Food Economics, and Rural Appraisal (AGR/01) at the University of Catania's Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment. He has maintained continuous teaching activity since the academic year 1996/97 at the Faculty of Agriculture, transitioning from university researcher to associate professor in 2003/2004.

His educational credentials include:

• Graduate in Agricultural Sciences (Technical-Economic specialization) from University of Catania with 110/110 cum laude (November 1991)
• PhD in Agricultural Economics and Policy (1995)

Professor Cucuzza's research program integrates environmental economics with agricultural systems analysis. His work examines the economic valuation of natural resources through contingent valuation methods and discrete choice experiments, with particular focus on ecosystem services mapping via GIS technology. He has developed methodologies for assessing biodiversity conservation benefits, endangered livestock breed protection, and climate change impacts on agricultural systems. His research bridges theoretical economic frameworks with practical applications in disaster damage assessment and real estate market analysis.

He has held significant administrative roles including Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture (2008-2012) and Delegate of the Rector for Green Public Procurement (2009-2014). Professor Cucuzza has supervised four doctoral theses and numerous master's theses within the Agris Mundus Master of Science program in Sustainable Development in Agriculture.

His scientific affiliations include:

• Member of the Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA)
• Member of the Center for Economic and Territorial Assessment (Ce.S.E.T.)
• Member of the University Center for Natural Environment Management (Cutgana) since 2011

Professor Cucuzza has contributed to major research initiatives including the European Project on Economics of Coastal Hazard and Prevention (EcosHaz) and organized the 7th European Workshop ENVironmental CHOice (ENVECHO) on Discrete Choice Experiments in 2018.