Law for Agri-Food Systems Transformation

This course provides a comprehensive overview of current EU agri-food laws and policies, highlighting the key role that EU institutions play in reshaping them. Through a systematic ‘farm to fork’ analysis of the EU agri-food system legislation, students will explore the legal frameworks governing food production and consumption, and examine the legal mechanisms that can drive change toward sustainability in the sector. A key focus of the course is on the evolving priorities of the EU in the agri-food sector. The course tracks how these shifts, driven primarily by the European Commission, have shaped legal transformations in the agri-food system over time.

The course covers a wide range of topics related to food and agriculture, including sustainability in food legislation, competition law, consumer protection and empowerment, human health, and environmental concerns. By the end of the course, students will have gained essential skills for careers in agri-food law, whether in regulatory affairs, institutions, NGOs, or the business sector.

Students will learn how to interpret legal texts and translate this knowledge into practical actions to ensure compliance and consistent implementation of the legislation. They will also develop the ability to engage with the law-making process, foster critical legal thinking, and advocate for legal changes in the agri-food system. This prepares students to identify gaps and opportunities within the legal framework, anticipate future of agri-food laws, and contribute to the transformation of food systems.

In case of a resit having a small group of students enrolled, the resit of the written test (ANS exam) may take the form of an oral examination. In this case, students will be informed in advance.

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

• Identify the current major EU policies impacting the agri-food system and the legal challenges they pose
• Identify the key legal concepts in the law of agri-food systems
• Explain how EU (agri-food) laws are made in terms of the law-making process, which institutional actors are involved and which role they play in shaping EU agri-food policies
• Analyse the impact the relevant agri-food policy and related legislations have on consumers, producers, health, climate and the environment in the transition towards sustainability
• Interpret the law and monitor relevant regulatory developments
• Promote legal changes while maintaining legal compliance
• Support the decision-making process based on the analysis of the relevant legislation

Assumed Knowledge:

For students without prior legal knowledge, Food Law (LAW31706) and Introduction to Law (LAW12806) are useful but not obligatory.