Dr Catherine Pédamon, Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Westminster, has joined over 30 experts to discuss sustainability in agri-food supply chains and the role of law and policy in addressing regulatory challenges and opportunities both nationally and internationally.
The event took place on 30-31 May and was funded by the Society of Legal Scholars and the Edinburgh Law School. It assessed the role of commercial and contract law along with its limitations, actual or perceived, in achieving sustainability and food security. Contributions were made from a broad spectrum of legal and policy arenas, including competition and corporate law, along with perspectives on food, agriculture and environmental policy. The discussions included assessments of policy coherence with a view to enhancing sustainability and food security in the UK, the European Union and at international level.
She was joined by academic experts from a range of universities and organisations from across the UK and Europe. Keynotes were given by Professor Fabrizio Cafaggi, from Italy’s Consiglio di Stato, and Ms Jeannette Tramhel, Senior Legal Consultant at the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT).
In her contribution, Dr Pédamon highlighted the complexity of the current regulatory environment in which global supply chains operate. Diverse regulatory instruments pursue different objectives, including protecting farmers, setting and applying consistent agricultural standards and ensuring food security. She suggested that this regulatory environment must be analysed and made more cohesive with an eye to improving sustainability.
Dr Pédamon said: “Sustainability in agri-food supply chains requires a holistic approach that emphasises the values of cooperation, fairness and reliability between the different stakeholders. Bringing together leading experts and sharing insights is a great step in shaping a purposeful approach to law and policy in this vital area."
The roundtable provided a stepping stone in building a network of experts to enable further research and to create impactful links, with the ongoing aim of informing policy and stimulating change in practices.
This roundtable directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about studying Law at the University of Westminster.
