SUSTAIN – Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems in the EU: Legal and Policy Perspective

About

The Seasonal School will introduce participants to the urgent topic of the European Union’s transition towards sustainable agriculture and food systems, situating it within the broader global debate on food security, sustainability, and climate resilience.

The Seasonal School is co-organised with the Law Group of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and is co-funded by the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence SUSTAIN – “EU Actions for Sustainable Farming and Food Systems”, under the EU Erasmus+ Programme (Project: 101127247 — SUSTAIN — ERASMUS-JMO-2023-HEI-TCH-RSCH), coordinated by Professor Mariagrazia Alabrese.

The Seasonal School will offer an interactive and cross-disciplinary learning environment combining lectures, seminars, and guided discussions with practical sessions, case studies, and simulation exercises. Specific modules will be devoted to the analysis of EU legal instruments, policy design, and decision-making processes, allowing participants to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Q&A sessions and group work will encourage exchanges among participants and lecturers, fostering peer learning and the development of a shared understanding of the challenges surrounding sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Throughout the week, participants will also engage in policy labs and role-playing activities aimed at enhancing analytical and negotiation skills, as well as in short presentations and feedback sessions designed to consolidate the learning outcomes.

The language of instruction and assessment is English.

Coordinator:
Mariagrazia Alabrese

Key Teaching Staff:
Andrea Saba (SSSA)
Enrico Mezzacapo (SSSA)
Roberto Talenti (SSSA)
Andrea Carolina Zuniga (SSSA)
Francesca Coli (FAO)
Antonio Manzoni (CREA)
Louis Kotze (Wageningen University)
Mirta Alessandrini (Wageningen University)
Edwin Alblas (Wageningen University)

Course leader

Prof. Mariagrazia Alabrese

Target group

The Seasonal School is primarily addressed to PhD candidates. Master’s students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career professionals may be admitted on a secondary basis, depending on the availability of places.

The program is designed for participants from diverse academic backgrounds—including law, economics, political science, environmental studies, and agricultural sciences—who wish to deepen their understanding of the EU’s agri-food governance and its interaction with international and global frameworks

Course aim

The Summer School will provide participants with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to understand the legal and policy framework for building more equitable and sustainable agri-food systems. Participants will develop an in-depth understanding of the main policies and legislative instruments adopted by the European Union, with particular focus on post-Green Deal strategies and their impact on the agri-food supply chain. The course will also explore the EU’s international commitments in the context of the global transition towards sustainable food systems