The course explores key trends and challenges in the global food sector related to the environment, human health, and profitability. We will explore corporate innovation, government regulation, and certification programs. Comparisons are made when possible among Swiss, EU, and US, and Asian laws and corporate policies. Students examine corporate strategies in the food sector, differing legal standards among nations, changing consumer preferences, public subsidies, trade barriers, vertical integration of supply chains, branding trends, and organic certification standards. Students learn to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental law and policy, and to judge the quality and uncertainty of scientific evidence used to claim that a risk is either significant, or not worth worrying about

Each topic explores how environmental and health risks are assessed, and how legal and regulatory standards, and alternative government and corporate policies and practices that might reduce negative externalities.

Dates

Duration: 17 until 27 August 2020
Online Course via Zoom

Monday 17 August 2020, 15.45 - 18.15
Tuesday, 18 August 2020, 15.45 - 18.15
Wednesday, 19 August 2020, 15.45 - 18.15
Thursday, 20 August 2020, 15.45 - 18.15

Monday 24 August 2020, 15.45 - 18.15
Tuesday, 25 August 2020, 15.45 - 18.15
Wednesday, 26 August 2020, 15.45- 18.15
Thursday, 27 August 2020, 15.45 - 18.15

Assessment details

• 20% Participation in Discussions
• 20% Essay 1000 words: Due 28 August at 15:00
• 60% Take Home Exam: Due 31 August at 15:00

Recommended Prerequisites

Solid understanding of business and economics on the BA level

Completion of an introductory course in law (BA) would be helpful
Introduction to Environmental Economics (Umwelt- und Ressourcenökonomie, 10160)
Public Choice and Public Economics (10148)

Course Information

• Course directory
• Syllabus: available on ADAM
• Reading material: available on ADAM

For further information please contact the Summer School office.