The analysis of asymmetries in the price transmission mechanism at different levels of the marketing chain provides a good indicator of market efficiency in vertically related markets. The objective of this paper is to investigate the non-linear adjustments of prices in the poultry marketing chain in Spain. The methodology used is based on the multivariate approach to specify and estimate a Threshold Autoregressive Model. Price relationships at feed industry, producer and retail levels are considered. Results indicate that, in the long run, price transmission is perfect and any supply or demand shocks are fully transmitted to all prices in the system. In the short run, price adjustments between the feed and the farmer levels are fairly symmetric and are representative of a cost-push transmission mechanism. On the other hand, retailers benefit from any shock, whether positive or negative, that affects supply or demand conditions when price spreads are increasing, while price behaviour is closely related to competitive markets when faced with declining price spreads. EconLit classification: C320, Q1302

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In an increasing globalized environment, the agrofood firms’ competitiveness becomes a strategic need for future survival. Recent changes both in agrofood markets and consumers’ habits have encouraged firms to adopt adequate managerial strategies. The objective of this paper is to determine main factors affecting the exporting behavior of the agro-food firms. Data come from the Survey on Firms Strategies (ESEE). To achieve this objective, a model has been specified and estimated taking into account the characteristics of the database. The personnel qualification, the existence of foreign capital, the existence of potential benefits in foreign market and the firm’ age are the main factors explaining the agrofood firm decision to export. On the other hand, variables denoting firm size and domestic market concentration and saturation are more important to explain export intensity.