Agriculture, Sustainability and Competition Law: Policy Paradigms and Their Legal Implications

Through a detailed law-and-policy analysis, this book investigates competition law and policy in relation to agricultural producers, examining the topic in light of both the neoliberal agricultural policy and food sovereignty paradigms, with a focus on their differing approaches to competition and sustainability.

This book addresses the increasing pressures faced by agricultural producers, stemming from two major developments: the shift towards neoliberal economic policies in agri-food markets, and the growing recognition of the agricultural sector’s role in environmental degradation due to unsustainable practices. These developments have provoked protests from farmers and prompted critical questions about how different agricultural and competition policy theories navigate the complex relationship between competition, agriculture and sustainability. By conceptualising the connections between each topic, the book comprehensively analyses their interdependence. While competition law experts frequently overlook the realities of the agricultural sector, agricultural scholars may not fully grasp the objectives of competition law. By bridging these divides, the book provides an integrated understanding of competition and agricultural policy, also with a particular focus on sustainability.

This book will be of interest to researchers in the field of agricultural law and policy, and competition law and policy, as well as those interested in sustainability.

Martin Milán Csirszki serves as Head of Unit at the Hungarian Competition Authority. Before joining the national competition agency, he worked as a researcher at the Ferenc Mádl Institute of Comparative Law. Beside his enforcement work, he is adjunct lecturer at the Budapest-based Ludovika University of Public Service, where he teaches courses on competition law and compliance. He completed his legal and PhD studies at the University of Miskolc, Hungary.