Meet Our Speakers - Alessandra Guida

NAME: Dr. Alessandra Guida

TITLE: Lecturer, Queen’s University Belfast – School of LAw

EDUCATION: master and PHd, Macquarie University; llm in law LAW, Universita’ di bologna & tilburg university

Q: Tell us a bit about your work: what do you do/research/teach/practice? And how does it relate to or involve the governance of food or food systems?

I lecture on topics related to international law, such as world trade law, climate justice, human rights law, corporate environmental law, and the challenges of new technology and law. My research similarly focuses on international issues in environmental, world trade, and human rights law. 

Currently, I am the principal investigator on an international project titled ‘Agricultural Pesticides vs Food Sustainability.’ The project aims to address the agricultural pesticide paradox. This is when agricultural pesticides are used to increase food production, but result in decreased water and soil contamination, which ultimately makes food production harmful.

I am organizing the first international conference in Belfast at Queen’s University, where we have many experts addressing international obligations and responsibilities in pesticide use. While some countries may have national standards for pesticide use, we don’t currently have international standards. There are only recommendations from the World Trade Organization (the “WTO”), and countries are free to align with them or not. So, there can be a Boomerang effect, where one nation may ban a pesticide, but will import foods grown using that pesticide.

The project’s second event is at the University of Dayton, USA. There, we will address human rights concerns of pesticide use and make submissions to the International Human Rights Commission relating to the right to health, water, and a healthy environment.

Lastly, we will have a conference in Argentina where we will address the impacts of agricultural pesticides on Indigenous people. We are emphasizing dialogue with various experts and taking a multi-disciplinary approach.  

Q: I noticed you’ve done a lot of work with international trade law. How did you narrow your research into pesticide use specifically?

I became interested in this area eight years ago. I had completed my law degree and started working as a barrister in Italy. I passed the Bar Exam and decided to take a celebratory trip with friends to Argentina. When we were there, I noticed plenty of busy hospitals; I counted eight on one street in Cordoba. It was unbelievable! The locals informed me that the hospitals were a result of local farming practices. They grow a lot of genetically modified crops in the area and advised me that the increasing use of agricultural pesticides was making Argentinians sick.

When I came back, my mind was still there. I decided to write a research proposal and started my PhD project in Australia because of the focus on environmental law. I worked on the project in international trade in biotechnology projects. Pesticide use was only one tiny area of this broad topic. So, when I became a lecturer in Belfast, I could decide on my area and decided to work on agricultural pesticides.

Q: Can you give us a hint about something you’ll discuss at the conference?

I will be presenting on whether and how the WTO can favour harmonization between national regulations of agricultural pesticides to allow for sustainable food systems. It’s a working paper, and I look forward to receiving feedback.

As a hint, the WTO can play a central role in supporting harmonization. It could help developing states reach lateral agreements and establish minimum pesticide standards. This would go a long way to addressing the increasing use of pesticides.

Q: What is your favourite and least favourite part about your work?

My favourite part of my work is its topical nature. I am not dealing with theoretical or abstract topics, it is very practical. It can really help to raise national standards in lots of developing countries.

My least favourite part is that when you discuss environmental issues, everything is centred on climate change. Climate change is a very central and important topic to work on, but it shouldn’t be the only thing. There are other significant problems that are overlooked. 

Q: What is an environmental topic that may be often overlooked right now?

There are lots! For example, we’ve known for decades now that agricultural pesticides have harmful impacts. However, we still see increasing use.

Another project I am working on is the impact of international trade in the Arctic and the Antarctic. It is unregulated in the Arctic and not seen as a central issue. However, this is the time for people to think about it. In a few years, it will be too late. These are very pristine environments and must be safeguarded now.

Q: I noticed you were admitted to the Italian Bar and practiced there for a while. What made you decide to pursue research instead?

I worked as a lawyer for two and a half years. I really loved working as a lawyer, but the problem was that the cases were all in the same area. With academia, I can expand my research into different areas, and it is more dynamic. This is why I liked it more.

Actually, when I finished my law degree, I received an offer to work on a doctoral project in the Netherlands. But, decided that I wanted to see if I wanted to be a lawyer and if law had a real impact on society. Although, I decided to return to academia, I am glad I practiced at that point and would do it again. After practicing, I realized I took a break and asked myself what I really wanted, which was academia.

Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing research?

Being passionate about something is the key. You will encounter many challenges and difficulties. You may see difficult things and feel frustrated and tired. If you really feel passionate about a topic, you will find the motivation and the reason to keep working on what you want to do.

Doing a PhD is just the first step. You want to be an expert in an area, and then you can expand. The PhD will help you learn to do academic research and navigate the complexity of legal rules. Then, approach a few experts in that area. You may be surprised at how friendly people are to provide feedback and suggestions.

Alessandra will be presenting on ‘Sustainability Demands, Human Health Concerns vs an Increasing Use of Agricultural Pesticides: The Role of the WTO to Enhance a Sustainable-Oriented Food System’ on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 10:30 am - 11:30 am EST.