Farm to Fork: the Role of Rule-making in Shaping Sustainable Food Systems

This thesis investigates the regulatory and policy frameworks that underpin the European Union's Farm to Fork Strategy, which aims to create sustainable food systems. Amidst rising environmental concerns and an urgent need for sustainable practices, this study investigates how regulatory measures might form food systems that are both sustainable and resilient. The study is based on the European Green Deal and examines the current state of food policy in the EU, examining its compatibility with broader sustainability objectives. The thesis begins with a comprehensive analysis of the European food business, emphasizing the industry's ongoing issues as well as the Farm to Fork Strategy's transformative potential. It describes the specific regulatory rules targeted at improving sustainable food production, processing, and consumption and assesses their compatibility with other EU policies. The study's main focus is on the projected legislative framework for sustainable food systems, which is investigated in depth through an examination of the upcoming proposals. The thesis evaluates the projected effects of these rules on food safety, environmental sustainability, and trade patterns. The discussion synthesizes findings from a comprehensive literature study and legislative analysis, answering research questions and contrasting the findings with existing theoretical frameworks. Finally, the thesis summarizes the important findings, discusses the potential consequences of the proposed regulatory framework on the EU and global food markets, and makes recommendations for policymakers, stakeholders, and future study areas. The report admits its limitations and proposes areas for further research to improve the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks in creating sustainable food systems.