Food is fundamental. Yet the food system is not always a priority for law and policy makers.

Because of its connection to so many other areas of national concern—including public health, the environment, consumer protection, the economy, immigration, animal welfare, national security, energy, labor, international relations, and trade—it is necessary to approach regulation of the food system in its broader context. Ensuring an equitable food system that delivers positive outcomes requires new law and policy approaches to food and agriculture at the federal, state, and local levels.

Through the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems (CAFS), Vermont Law School offers a systems-based curriculum that equips JD and Master’s to become leaders in food and agricultural law and policy. Students specializing in Food and Agricultural Law can choose from a diverse set of courses while also engaging in practical projects with our Food and Agriculture Clinic, which provides support to farmers and food producers—both in the hills surrounding our campus and across the country.

Relevant courses include:

• Introduction to Agriculture and Food Law and Policy
• Land Use Regulation
• Water Resources
• Environmental Law
• Regulating the Marine Environment
• Natural Resources
• Food Regulation and Policy
• Water Quality
• Land Transactions
• Environmental Business Transactions
• Administrative Law
• Climate Change and the Law
• Climate Change Adaptation in Human Systems
• Federal Regulation of Food and Agriculture (Online)
• Food Justice and Sustainability (Summer Session)
• Global Food Security (Summer Session and Online)
• Law of Animals in Agriculture (Summer Session)
• The Farm Bill (Summer Session)
• Public Health and Food and Agriculture Policy (Summer Session)
• Animal Welfare Law (Summer Session)
• International Trade and the Environment (Summer Session)
• Ocean and Coastal Law (Summer Session)
• Environmental Justice (Summer Session)
• Land Conservation Law (Summer Session)

Laurie Beyranevand directs the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems and teaches Food Regulation and Policy and Legislation and Regulation. Sophia Kruszewski directs the Food and Agriculture Clinic ​and teaches a Food and Agriculture clinical seminar in which students gain practical experience through project-based work. Emily Spiegel teaches Introduction to Agriculture and Food Law and Policy and International Law, and directs several grant-funded projects. Lihlani Skipper is the Associate Director for the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems and directs a major grant-funded project. Claire Child is the Program Manager for the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems and works on grant-funded research along with research assistants.