AgriFood4NetZero: Plausible Pathways, Practical and Open Science for Net Zero Agrifood
Lead Research Organisation:
University of the West of England
Department Name: Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences
Abstract
The agri-food system, producing 23% of UK emissions, must play a key role in the UK's transition to net zero by 2050, and through leadership in innovation can support change globally. Our Network+ will build on existing and new partnerships across research and stakeholder communities to develop a shared agenda, robust research plans, and scope out future research and innovation. The Network will design and deliver high-reward feasibility projects to help catalyse rapid system transformation to ensure the agri-food system is sustainable and supports the UK's net zero goal, while enhancing biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem services, fostering livelihoods and supporting healthy consumption, and minimising the offshoring of environmental impacts overseas through trade. The radical scale of the net zero challenge requires an equally bold and ambitious approach to research and innovation, not least because of the agri-food and land system's unique potential as a carbon sink. Our title, Plausible Pathways, Practical and Open Science, recognises the agri-food system as a contested area in which a range of pathways are plausible. Success requires that new relationships between natural and social science, stakeholders including industry, government and citizens, be forged in which distributed expertise is actively harnessed to support sectoral transformation.
We will use our breadth of expertise from basic research to application, policy and engagement to co-produce a trusted, well-evidenced, and practical set of routes, robust to changing future market, policy and social drivers, to evolve the agri-food system towards net zero and sustainability. Marshalling our many existing stakeholder links, we will review and evaluate current options and use Network funding to catalyse new partnerships through retreats, crucibles, workshops, online digital networking and scoping studies to develop system approaches to transformation, reframe the research agenda and undertake novel research projects. We will co-design productive and creative spaces that enable the research community to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and thought leaders through the following framework: 7 Co-Is who govern the Network but are not themselves eligible for funding; 9 Year-1 Champions (with new appointments after Year 1) dynamically forging new connections across research communities; 11 Advisory Board members tasked with challenging business-as-usual thinking; and regular liaison with other stakeholders.
We will use our breadth of expertise from basic research to application, policy and engagement to co-produce a trusted, well-evidenced, and practical set of routes, robust to changing future market, policy and social drivers, to evolve the agri-food system towards net zero and sustainability. Marshalling our many existing stakeholder links, we will review and evaluate current options and use Network funding to catalyse new partnerships through retreats, crucibles, workshops, online digital networking and scoping studies to develop system approaches to transformation, reframe the research agenda and undertake novel research projects. We will co-design productive and creative spaces that enable the research community to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and thought leaders through the following framework: 7 Co-Is who govern the Network but are not themselves eligible for funding; 9 Year-1 Champions (with new appointments after Year 1) dynamically forging new connections across research communities; 11 Advisory Board members tasked with challenging business-as-usual thinking; and regular liaison with other stakeholders.
Organisations
- University of the West of England (Lead Research Organisation)
- Natural Environment Research Council (Co-funder)
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (Co-funder)
- Economic and Social Research Council (Co-funder)
- South Pole Carbon Asset Management Ltd (Project Partner)
- James Hutton Institute (Project Partner)
- National Sheep Association (Project Partner)
- Quorn (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Jones Food Company (Project Partner)
- Cool Farm Alliance (Project Partner)
- Agri-Food Quest (Project Partner)
- Royal Agricultural Society of England (Project Partner)
- Agrivation Ltd (Project Partner)
- Crop Health and Protection (Project Partner)
- Ctr for Innov Excellence in Livestock (Project Partner)
- Eating Better (Project Partner)
- Downforce Technologies (Project Partner)
- Arup Group (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- NatureScot (Scottish Natural Heritage) (Project Partner)
- Agricultural Universities Council (Project Partner)
- Fera Science (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- LettUs Grow (Project Partner)
- Agricultural Development Advisory Service (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Harper Adams University (Project Partner)
- Wilderness Foundation (Project Partner)
- The Climate Change Committe (Project Partner)
- Food Standards Scotland (Project Partner)
- National Federation Young Farmers' Clubs (Project Partner)
- Agricultural Engineering Precision Innovation Centre (Project Partner)
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Project Partner)
- Business, Energy Industrial Strategy (Project Partner)
- Food Ethics Council (Project Partner)
- Food & Drink Federation (Project Partner)
- Food Standards Agency (Project Partner)
- Nourish Scotland (Project Partner)
- National Trust (Project Partner)
- International Potato Centre (Project Partner)
- Food and Farming Futures Ltd (Project Partner)
- Northumberland County Council (Project Partner)
- Cranfield University (Project Partner)
- Organic Farmers and Growers (Project Partner)
- Applied Group (Project Partner)
- Linking Env and Farming LEAF (Project Partner)
- World Wide Fund for Nature WWF (UK) (Project Partner)
- University of Greenwich (Project Partner)
- Centre for Effective Innovation in Agric (Project Partner)
- Dept of Agri, Env & Rural Affairs DAERA (Project Partner)
- Potato Processors Association (Project Partner)
- Algae UK (Project Partner)
- Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (Project Partner)
- Scotch Whisky Research Institute (Project Partner)
- Zoe Global Ltd (Project Partner)
- Agrisearch (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (Project Partner)
- Greater Lincolnshire LEP (Project Partner)
- Food, Farming and Countryide Commission (Project Partner)
- Quality Meat Scotland (Project Partner)
- Scottish Crofting Federation (Project Partner)
- British Grassland Society (Project Partner)
- Samworth Brothers Ltd (Project Partner)
- The Good Food Institute Europe (Project Partner)
- Institute Of Agricultural Engineering (Project Partner)
- Scottish Dairy Hub (Project Partner)
- Food Sense Wales (Project Partner)
- Devro PLC (Project Partner)
- Queen Margaret University (Project Partner)
- National Farmers Union (Project Partner)
- Slade Farm Organics (Project Partner)
Publications
| Description | Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Guidance to the Champions |
| Geographic Reach | Europe |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| Description | Memorandum submitted to Chris Skidmore review of Net Zero |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | Memorandum submitted to EFRA Select Committee Inquiry on food security |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/111903/pdf/ |
| Description | Memorandum submitted to House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee Inquiry on environmental change and food security |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/114502/pdf/ |
| Description | Welsh Labour Community Food Strategy |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Defra Roundtable of Research and Innovation for Climate Change Adaptation, Royal Society |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Expert workshop at the Royal Society on net zero and agri-food for Defra |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | EA Sustain Festival, Colchester |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Sustainability festival, held in Colchester. Neil Ward participated in a session with the Sustainable Food Trust |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Food Security in Wales |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Food Security in Wales Wednesday 21st September 2022 With Public Health Network Cymru The whole population is affected by food security to some degree but vulnerable population groups will be particularly negatively affected, especially in the coming months. Food security has been defined as being "When all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life" (FAO, 1996). A report published by Public Health Wales highlights how the combined influences of Brexit, Coronavirus and climate change will potentially impact all of us through the food that we are able to buy. This webinar provided a background to the current Welsh and UK legislative and policy context in relation to food security and the impact that food security has on the health and wellbeing of the population. The webinar also shared how local food partnerships are mobilising community food leaders and advocating for better access to affordable, healthy and sustainable food. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://publichealthnetwork.cymru/event/food-security-in-wales/ |
| Description | Food in the Communities Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Presented the Accessible Veg Pilot project activity at the conference and project results. There was high interest among the audience, with many questions and several members of the audience following up with me afterwards. One follow up has resulted in an additional consultancy project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.foodsensewales.org.uk/good-food-movement/food-in-communities-conference-2022/ |
| Description | Institute of Welsh Affairs Blog |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Hope you are well. As you know WWF Cymru is continuing to work on food system in Wales which includes a focus on influencing the SFS and Agri Bill to create a system in Wales that support sustainable food production that is accessible to new entrants, variety in production recognised / valued and supports wider community outcomes (and of course env outcomes!) As part of our influencing we see the gap in the narrative on these issues with discussions in politcial / public debate that tend to be dominated by existing farming models amplifying voices associated historically with farming unions and their members. We have therefore set an aim to produce and / or give a platform to a series of blogs / think pieces from October to December which provide alternative visons for future of food and framing in Wales. Your recent research and write up was shared with me by Shea https://tgrains.com/accessible-veg-pilot-project/ We have secured a slot on IWA platform to talk about the importance of CSA so we are looking for people who would like to take up this space. Ideally talking about the value of CSA and also start to explore how this alternative ownership model identifies the blockages in the current system which are making things harder and should be changed in the new SFS scheme. What you think is needed in SFS, Agri Bill, and / or community food strategy or Food Bill to enable this. Also open people up to issues about fairness to access to land and the equality and diversity narrative we want to build in this debate as it often seems missing i.e that there is more to rural Wales than the type of farmer the unions represent and access to land must consider equality and diversity. As well as the output / outcomes from that land shared. If you are interested in taking this slot / opportunity with IWA please let me know. We would support you if need it and the deadline for copy is 20th October. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2022/11/community-supported-agriculture-in-wales-caring-for-the-land-an... |
| Description | International Fugitive Emissions Abatement Association workshop on methane from agriculture, Bristol |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Presentation and participation in a workshop on methane emissions with industry representatives |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | LinkedIn Page |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The purpose of the LinkedIn page is to provide a presence for the project on a professional networking site, and diversify the channels in which potential network members can keep up to date and discover the network. It's also to drive information about activities, news and events out beyond our current network and support engagement and membership growth. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
| URL | https://uk.linkedin.com/company/agrifood4netzero |
| Description | Met Office & Defra Workshop on climate change adaptation and the agri-food system, Bristol |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Workshop, supported by Defra, focused on: Improving mutual understanding of the adaptation and resilience options of the UK agri-food system; Identifying research gaps and potential synergies, developing partnerships; and Understanding the potential for future collaboration between key stakeholders in the agri-foods and climate research sectors. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Met Office & Defra Workshop on climate change adaptation and the agri-food system, Bristol |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Workshop for Defra, organised by the Met Office, on climate change adaptation and land |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Met Office Climate Change Webinar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | In the lead up to COP27, the Met Office hosted a series of webinars on key topics Ahead of the UN Climate Conference, COP27, held in Egypt in 2022, the Met Office identified some priority themes relevant to the event. Three of these were used to develop a webinar series to provide the latest science and policy information on the themes and invite discussion with interested parties. How can science and services help global food supply? The second webinar, on 13 October 2022, considered the impacts of climate change on the resilience of the food system and how this is factored into decision making. We were joined by speakers from the University of the West of England, Defra and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Event summary We need to take action to secure healthy and sustainably produced food for all in order to achieve net zero emission targets. It is vital that researchers and stakeholders come together in a spirit of openness and collaboration and with real urgency to mobilise ideas and resources around advancing the transition. UK policymakers are working towards risk pathways to try and reduce our exposure to risks. There is a desire to encourage the uptake of best practise in farming, which will support both reduction of emissions as well as climate resilience in terms of more resilient crops. Precision breeding technologies also have longer-term potential to support food security and help the UK meet Government goals around adapting to climate change and enhancing sustainability. Every mitigation and adaptation decision has to be context specific because of the significant impact on vulnerable populations and ecosystems. Countries need to think about no-regrets scenarios, including different criteria and elements in the decision-making process. Numerous policy and technology-based options have been already tested and, in many cases, have been proven to be economically viable and commercially possible. However, there is still an implementation gap in the sector. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has suggested many innovative solutions that would contribute to the transformation from the business as usual to more sustainable agri-food systems. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/climate/cop/cop27-webinars |
| Description | NW Presentation to Zinc VC 'Venture Builder' Programme for 65 entrepreneurs, plus expert advice and support to 10 business start ups in the agri-food and net zero topic area |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Presentation on net zero and agri-food to the whole cohort of 65 entrepreneurs on a business start up programme supported by Zinc Venture, with subsequent one-to-one mentoring and support to 10 entrepreneurs |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.zinc.vc/programmes/venture-builder/ |
| Description | NW presentation to staff of China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on GHG emissions reduction from the UK agri-food system (est. 50 participants) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Briefing presentation to Chinese civil servants in the Ministry of Agriculture |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Net-zero and circular agriculture - University of Guelph, Canada |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Talk to practitioners on circular economy approaches to decarbonising livestock production. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Open Food Network Panel |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Continuing on from our last event - Addressing systemic inequality in our food system: a panel discussion - we wanted to approach the topic in a different way. Food equity is an issue that is rooted in systemic inequality, which can often feel bigger than us. But, together, we can talk about it, participate in the conversation and co-create solutions through sharing experience and knowledge. That's why we wanted our next session to be a community roundtable, tackling the issue of food equity. Because we want to encourage thoughts and ideas to emerge from interactive conversation and exploration of diverse perspectives. This will be an amazing opportunity to connect with other people who care about baking food equity into the fabric of their communities, as well as with those who share a common interest in building fairer food systems that benefit - and feed - everyone. Because our movement is filled with people doing amazing work addressing food poverty and working for food justice - and this session will help bring all of our heads together! This is also going to be a welcoming space for those who are interested in the conversation and want to learn more - and perhaps find a way to participate in finding solutions together. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.facebook.com/events/1204017746883306/ |
| Description | Opening keyote talk at Livestock, Environment and People conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Describing structural issues in the field and how the UKRI AgriFood Network+: AgriFood4NetZero: Plausible Pathways, Practical and Open Science for Net Zero Agrifood can help, and work of FixOurFood |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.leap.ox.ac.uk/event/leap-conference-2022 |
| Description | Oxford Real Farming Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I presented the results and key lessons learned from the Accessible Veg Pilot project. There was substantial interest among the professional practitioners about how to implement similar activities in their farm businesses. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://orfc.org.uk/ |
| Description | Participation in BEIS/Defra net zero agri-food scenario planning project |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Neil Ward invited as an expert participant to several workshops for this BEIS/Defra study of future scenarios for net zero and the agri-food system |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
| Description | Presentation to Defra/BBSRC 1-day workshop on Sustainable Intensification and Regenerative Agriculture, Royal Society |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Defra/BBSRC workshop held at Royal Society on agriculture , land and net nero |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Project Website |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The prupose of the website is to provide an online landing page and eventual hub in which to direct the network to provide information on activities events, funding and activity and strengthen the brand identity. It also introduces the Exec Board, Exec Operations team, Champions, CO-Is, and ECRs. It's also the main interface for people to formally sign up for network membership. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
| URL | https://www.agrifood4netzero.net/ |
| Description | Sustain Meat Debate Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Tim Benton gave a keynote presentation and Neil Ward attended the event |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.tabledebates.org/events/sustain-summit-can-we-find-balance-debate-meat-and-dairy-face-na... |
| Description | Twitter account |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | The purpose of the Twitter page is to provide a presence for the project on an active professional networking site, and diversify the channels in which potential network members can keep up to date and discover the network. It's also to drive information about activities, news and events out beyond our current network and support engagement and membership growth. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
| URL | https://twitter.com/AgriFood4Net0 |
| Description | Wales Real Food and Farming Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Contradictions and crises in our food system - Welsh policy and the Well-being of Future Generations Act Chair: Dr Angelina Sanderson Bellamy, University of the West of England Speakers: Katie Palmer, Food Sense Wales; Rhys Evans, NFFN The Well-being of Future Generations Act requires public bodies in Wales to think about the long-term impact of their decisions, to work better with people, communities, each other and to prevent persistent problems e.g., poverty, health inequalities, climate change. A panel of experts, convened by Food Policy Alliance Cymru, will consider whether the Act's principles of prevention, integration, collaboration, involvement, balancing short-term and long-term needs, are reflected in policy across Wales' food system, and what the opportunities are for doing so. The session provides an opportunity to explore the current failures in our food system and the opportunities to co-create a holistic vision ahead of the draft Food (Wales) Bill being presented to the Senedd. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://wrffc.wales/cynhadledd-2022-conference/ |