Section outline

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    Policies for sustainable food systems - Prof. Silvia Coderoni - a.a. 2026/2027









  • Learning Objectives

    The course aims to provide students with the conceptual, analytical, and regulatory tools to understand how national and international public policies guide the transition toward sustainable food systems. By integrating the analysis of market failures and public goods with European Union strategies (Green Deal, Farm to Fork), the course prepares students to comprehend the impact of policies on product design, supply chain management, packaging, and sustainability reporting. An operational focus is placed on innovative instruments such as carbon farming, food waste reduction, and the valorization of by-products within a circular economy framework.

    Learning Outcomes (Dublin Descriptors)

    Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    Knowledge and Understanding

    • Understand the role of national and international public policies in the transition towards sustainable agri-food systems, analysing major market failures, the provision of public goods, and European strategies for food sustainability, with specific reference to the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy.

    Applying Knowledge and Understanding

    • Apply analytical and interpretative tools to assess the impact of public policies on agri-food supply chains, product design, packaging, and sustainable resource management.
    • Analyse case studies and employ operational approaches related to the circular economy, food waste reduction, valorisation of by-products, and innovative tools such as carbon farming and sustainability reporting.

    Making Judgements

    • Develop critical skills in interpreting and evaluating policies for sustainable food systems, considering the economic, environmental, and social implications of different regulatory and strategic options.
    • Formulate independent assessments regarding the effectiveness of policy instruments and the possible adaptation strategies of agri-food firms.

    Communication Skills

    • Communicate complex issues related to sustainable food systems clearly and effectively, using appropriate technical language and integrating economic, regulatory, and environmental perspectives.
    • Present and critically discuss case studies, reports, and policy scenarios both orally and in writing.

    Learning Skills

    • Independently consult institutional sources (EU, FAO, EFSA) in order to remain continuously updated on the evolution of sustainability regulations and food policies.
    • Undertake advanced studies in policy analysis, including applications to other sectors.
    • Acquire and autonomously develop new competencies and technical skills directly in the field through professional experiences within the agri-food sector.

  • Course Program

    The course curriculum includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics in cronological order:

    1. Food Systems

    • The concept of Food System and global challenges
    • The impacts of food systems
    • The role of policies: market failures and public goods

    2. Policy Impacts at the European and Global Level

    • The evolution of the CAP toward environmental sustainability
    • Policies for the Circular Economy and Bioeconomy in the food sector
    • Policies to combat food waste

    3. Demand, Consumers, and Behaviors

    • Sustainable food choices
    • Labeling
    • Nudges and behavioral policies

    4. Practical Workshops and Case Study Analysis

    • Data Analysis & AI Workshop: Literature synthesis and policy mining
    • Case study analysis
    • Data-driven analysis and pitch presentation

  • Reading List and Study Materials

    • European Commission, Joint Research Centre, et al. (2026). EU food system monitoring framework. From concepts to indicators, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2024, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/94456, JRC137971.
    • Food Systems Countdown Initiative. 2025. The food systems countdown report 2024: Tracking progress and managing interactions. New York: Columbia University; Ithaca: Cornell University; Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Geneva: Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). https://doi.org/10.36072/fsci2024.
    • OECD (2026), Environmental Performance of Agriculture in OECD Countries 2026: Key Trends and Insights, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/5bbd8f58-en.
    • Sotte F., Brunori G. (2025). European Agricultural Policy. History and Analysis, FUP, Springer ISBN 978-3-031-83312-0 ISBN 978-3-031-83313-7 (eBook), https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-83313-7 (selected chapters).
    • Lecture notes in the form of slides provided by the professor. Supplementary teaching materials will be specified by the professor during the course. Lecture notes are distributed via a link to a shared folder provided by the professor.