The programme is composed of nine modules, as described below:

Module I

International Trade Law: The first Module addresses the legal foundations of the multilevel system governing the food sector at the international level. The lectures unveil how WTO law shapes and constrains EU Food Law and how national measures are still used to promote the increase of production by means of subsidies and restrictions on market access. Customs regulation is also addressed, as well as the analysis of the most relevant contracts relevant for the international trade of agri-food products.

Module II

European and International Food Safety Regulation: The second Module focuses on the rules governing the safety of the food chain, namely its hygiene and health security, nutritional and toxicological characteristics. Students also learn about the mechanisms set up at EU level to guarantee food safety and management of emergency situations.

Module III

Food Quality Policies: The third Module provides students with a comprehensive overview of the EU “Food Quality Policies”, namely the rules governing organic farming, protected geographical indications of origin, brands, private collective marks and signs of quality. The particular discipline of the trade of wine and spirits, and the EU system of plant variety protection complete this part of the Master’s program.

Module IV

Food advertising and labelling: This module addresses the regulation of information that consumers may find on food products and advertising campaigns set up at EU and national level.

Module V

Food security and environment - selected issues: This Module provides students with the analysis of selected issues regarding the strict relationship between food and environment. Students learn about major current and future challenges related to food security, right to food, access to water, anti-microbial resistance, food waste and principles governing responsible investment in agriculture.

Module VI

Agri-food policies and the market – Selected issues: This Module deals with the functioning of the agri-foodstuffs market and the most relevant contracts in the food-supply chain. Students engage in the analysis of competition and State aids, the common agricultural policy, the unfair trading practices Directive, the role of ICQRF In Italy, the role of blockchain technology, the growing importance of e-commerce, etc.

Module VII

SUMMER SCHOOL on International Trade and Food Law- The Summer School aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the EU and some of its major trading partners (e.g. The United States, Canada, China, Japan and ASEAN countries) with particular reference to the trade in agri-food products. For each area under consideration, students are presented with the regulatory framework governing trade in agri-food products and market opportunities for EU food companies.