Vermont Law School has the most comprehensive program in sustainable food systems law in the nation. The Center for Agriculture and Food Systems (CAFS) at Vermont Law has a dual mission: to train the next generation of food and agriculture advocates and entrepreneurs, and to create innovative legal tools supporting sustainable food systems.
Laurie Ristino is responsible for CAFS vision and direction, including curriculum development, teaching, outreach, partnerships and advocacy. Prior to joining Vermont Law, she served as a senior counsel at the Office of the General Counsel at the USDA in Washington, DC where she advised on an array of environmental and conservation issues related to agriculture. She also served in various administrative leadership capacities, including acting director of the Easement Programs Division of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, special assistant to the deputy assistant secretary for administration of the Department of Interior, and special assistant for the restoration of the Gulf of Mexico after the BP oil spill with Office of the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Website: www.vermontlaw.edu
Laurie Ristino is responsible for CAFS vision and direction, including curriculum development, teaching, outreach, partnerships and advocacy. Prior to joining Vermont Law, she served as a senior counsel at the Office of the General Counsel at the USDA in Washington, DC where she advised on an array of environmental and conservation issues related to agriculture. She also served in various administrative leadership capacities, including acting director of the Easement Programs Division of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, special assistant to the deputy assistant secretary for administration of the Department of Interior, and special assistant for the restoration of the Gulf of Mexico after the BP oil spill with Office of the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Website: www.vermontlaw.edu