Program Overview

Programme Overview

The Critical Approaches to Global Food Law and Policy programme is an international programme that explores how law, policy, and governance shape today's food systems. The programme is spread across two modules, one in Antwerp and the other in Rome, where participants will learn from leading academics and work directly with UN Rome-Based Agencies on food and agriculture.

Course Description

The 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. It will also reflect on the range of decisions, actions, and factors that influence food-related choices and decision-making at multiple levels.

Detailed Programme Antwerp

The winter module will take place from 2 to 6 February 2026, at the Stadscampus of the University of Antwerp. The detailed programme includes:

• 2 February: Welcome and introduction, Global Governance, The right to adequate food, and a welcome reception
• 3 February: UNDROP, International trade, and Market and power concentration
• 4 February: Collective reflection, Intellectual property and food, Financialization of the food system, and a quiz night
• 5 February: Digitalization, Labor rights, Collective Reflection, and introduction to final tasks
• 6 February: Roundtable on the future of food systems and Final reflection and way forward

Teaching Staff

Confirmed speakers for this programme include:

• Fulya Batur, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law
• Vladimir Bogoeski, University of Amsterdam
• Matt Canfield, Leiden University
• Jennifer Clapp, University of Waterloo
• Paola De Meo, Terra Nuova
• Tomaso Ferrando, University of Antwerp
• Fairouz Gazdallah, Oxfam Belgium
• Nora McKeon, IUC and ROPPA
• Valeria Pasarín, FAO Right to Food Unit
• Genevieve Savigny, UN Working Group on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas
• Sophie Van Huellen, Manchester University

Target Group

The course is designed for undergraduates, master's students, and PhD candidates who want to learn more about law and policy of food systems, as well as professionals with a background in food-related sectors.

Prerequisites

• General acquaintance with the basic concepts of food systems law and governance, international human rights law, international relations, and political economy of food systems
• Holding a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline is not mandatory but will be considered at the time of selection
• Working or volunteer experience in relevant areas is not a prerequisite but an added value

Campus

The winter module will take place at the Stadscampus of the University of Antwerp, located in the city centre. The summer module will take place in Rome.

Micro-credential and Study Credits (ECTS)

Successful completion of both modules of the programme will award 3 credits according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Credits will be awarded by the University of Antwerp based on attending all lessons, realizing a group work, and a final presentation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the programme, students will:

• Increase their knowledge of law and policy areas key to the functioning of contemporary global food systems
• Learn how to think systemically about law, policy, and food
• Increase their knowledge of food systems policies and governance
• Familiarize themselves with the work of the UN Rome-based agencies dealing with food and agriculture
• Increase their understanding of what is involved when concepts and theories are put into practice in the form of policy negotiations and field programmes
• Learn about multilateral forums where global food law and policies are discussed
• Strengthen their capacity to work in groups and present joint outputs
• Reinforce their ability to orally present complex and systemic problems
• Consolidate their ability to think about concrete and feasible legal and policy interventions based on international human rights law, environmental and climate law, and other relevant frameworks