Critical Approaches to Global Food Law and Policy

About

For many, food is a daily routine: but what do we know about the food systems that make food possible and the challenges they face?

Learn from academics and practitioners how food provisioning is organised and governed in today’s global world.
Develop a holistic perspective, and deepen your knowledge about food and sustainability, human rights and people’s agency.
Organised between Antwerp and Rome, the course provides theoretical fundamentals and an exceptional hands-on exploration of the global food governance arena, with visits and exchanges with representatives of the UN Committee on World Food Security, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the World Food Programme.

Target group

The winter and summer school is designed for undergraduates, masters students and PhD candidates who want to learn more about law and governance of food, but also professionals with a background in food studies and an interest in how global food governance is linked with some of the key environmental and social challenges of the contemporary world.

Prerequisites
General acquaintance with the basic concepts of food systems law and governance, international human rights law, international relations, political economy of food systems
Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline and interest in the topic.
Working/volunteer experience in relevant areas (via public sector, private sector or civil society organizations) is not a prerequisite but an added value.

Course aim

This course will contribute to students’ capacity for critical analysis of the complex and multidimensional concept of ‘food systems’ (considering the interactions among the different phases and actors involved in food provisioning), and of the equally complex phenomenon of ‘food systems law and governance’ (reflecting on the range of decisions, actions and factors that influence food-related choices and decision-making at multiple levels).

In Antwerp (2-6 February 2026), students will learn from a diversity of academics how to think systemically about interrelations between law, policy and food systems, and the challenges ahead. They will increase their capacity to critically unpack the different visions, narratives and behind the concept of ‘food system transformation’​. In Rome, one week in June/July, students will familiarise with the work of the UN Rome-Based Agencies dealing with food and agriculture and increase their understanding of what is involved when concepts and theories are put into practice in the form of policy negotiations and field programmes.

Fee info

Other fees for professionals. The tuition fee includes access to the lessons, tutorship, workshops, a welcome reception, social activities organised by ASWU during the week, and course materials. It does not include coffee breaks, lunches and cost of extra visits in Antwerp and Rome. This fee covers both modules in Antwerp and in Rome.