Environmental and Food Law
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The Environmental and Food Law course intends to introduce students to the main juridical instruments regulating environmental and food security and safety policies. Analysis of cases, laws and regulations will provide an overview of States' practice and offer the necessary tools for a proper knowledge of the leading literature by administrative and public law experts.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will familiarize themselves with the basic instruments of environmental law, its development, functioning and principles. They will be provided an overview of how environmental concerns intersect with diversified public policies. They will also gain a solid understanding of some of the most cutting-edge issues pertaining to food security, food safety, agricultural policies and health. Overall, by the end of the course, students are expected to manage the basic instruments of environmental and food regulation and interpret norms and case laws by putting them in the correct juridical framework.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW:
At first, the course will set up the conceptual framework to deal with environmental law issues. The main characteristics of environmental problems and the protection models of the environment will be discussed.
The juridical qualification of the environment will be then assessed and the main sources and principles of environmental law will be examined in reference to concrete examples.
Lastly, specific environmental issues and administrative procedures will be examined, by analyzing examples of concrete solution of environmental problems.
FOOD LAW:
This module aims to introduce students to foundational concepts of food security, sustainable food systems, and food systems governance. Through real-life examples, students will learn about key food security concepts, the underlying policy paradigms, and various governance regimes and coordination mechanisms in the area of food systems governance. Also, students will delve deep into some of the most controversial issues arising from the food safety, health, and trade conundrum: the regulation of genetically modified food/feed and pesticides.
At first, the course will set up the conceptual framework to deal with environmental law issues. The main characteristics of environmental problems and the protection models of the environment will be discussed.
The juridical qualification of the environment will be then assessed and the main sources and principles of environmental law will be examined in reference to concrete examples.
Lastly, specific environmental issues and administrative procedures will be examined, by analyzing examples of concrete solution of environmental problems.
FOOD LAW:
This module aims to introduce students to foundational concepts of food security, sustainable food systems, and food systems governance. Through real-life examples, students will learn about key food security concepts, the underlying policy paradigms, and various governance regimes and coordination mechanisms in the area of food systems governance. Also, students will delve deep into some of the most controversial issues arising from the food safety, health, and trade conundrum: the regulation of genetically modified food/feed and pesticides.
Prerequisites for admission
The course does not require previous knowledge of the topics dealt with
Teaching methods
Lectures supported by slides.
In-class discussion will be stimulated, to welcome reasoning on the topics dealt with.
Guest lecturers will be invited to hold speeches on specific arguments.
In-class discussion will be stimulated, to welcome reasoning on the topics dealt with.
Guest lecturers will be invited to hold speeches on specific arguments.
Teaching Resources
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW MODULE:
F. Fracchia, Environmental law. Principles, Definitions and Protection models, Editoriale Scientifica, 2018
FOOD LAW MODULE:
F. Albisinni et al., European and Global Food Law, Wolters Kluwer, 2025, chapters 1-3
F. Fracchia, Environmental law. Principles, Definitions and Protection models, Editoriale Scientifica, 2018
FOOD LAW MODULE:
F. Albisinni et al., European and Global Food Law, Wolters Kluwer, 2025, chapters 1-3
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exams: 3 open questions, of which 2 on environmental law and 1 on food law.
Attending students will have the chance to take a written mid-term test on the first part of the program.
Attending students will have the chance to take a written mid-term test on the first part of the program.
Professor(s)