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.

Organisations

 
Title Branding Materials - Agrifood Network + 
Description The AgriFood network + went through period of brand design, and implementation which consists of logos, formats, fonts, and colours which are carried through the Powerpoint presentations, the website, banners, leaflets, socials, ad hoc digital materials, and the newsletter. The branding has also been carried through to the Eventbrite as far as possible, given the limitation of their prefixed format. 
Type Of Art Artwork 
Year Produced 2023 
Impact The AgriFood network + went through period of brand design, and implementation to ensure clear signposting to all network members, stakeholders and potential network members. This was to ensure strong recognition of the network as an entity unto itself, and to reduce confusion with the branding of the Co-Leads and Co-Is. One of the aims of the branding was to develop clear sign posting for our network members and to build trust, through clear professional looking branding, with the branding being extended through the website, the newsletter and carried through into the new website design. The branding is to a degree carried through to Eventbrite however we are limited by Eventbrites own format. In spite of this effort has been made to ensure as much consistency as possible and that the branding on the event announcements and registrations through Eventbrite are clearly linked to the original AFN network + branding. The branding also facilitates team cohesiveness ensuring greater efficiencies as we work under one congruous umbrella with clear project team led goals underpinned by a strong brand identity. The same is true of the network leadership positions such as the Champions and the Early Careers board. There purpose of the branding is also to build an emotional connectedness with our network members and enable the continued building of a relationships and loyalty with individuals as the network grows in number. The website URL has been included as an example of the branding an its use. 
URL https://www.agrifood4netzero.net/
 
Title Branding Materials - Illustrations for report 'What could the UK AgriFood system look like in 2050' 
Description The AFN Network+ went through a period of brand design and implementation to create logos, formats, fonts, and colours which are used across presentations, the website, publications, banners, leaflets, social media, ad hoc digital materials, and the newsletter. 
Type Of Art Artwork 
Year Produced 2023 
Impact The AFN Network+ branding ensures clear signposting to all network members, stakeholders and the wider agri-food community. The aim was to build strong recognition of the network, demonstrate credibility and clarity of on our purpose, and increased engagement from our stakeholders. Increasing membership numbers, and the success of our webinars can be put down, at least in part, to the clarity of our branding. The same is true for the success of network emails, which have continued to have high open rates, again, at least in part due to improved brand recognition. Finally, the increased popularity of this year's Big Tent (approximately 200 registrations compared with last year's 70 registrations) is again evidence of the clarity of our branding and messaging. 
URL https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PFmdDo4TBnwXcAVWErfvBA42lZv_74et/view
 
Description Discussion of collaborative possibilities with WRAP -The Waste and Resources Action Programme (a Climate Action NGO)
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact Learnings and advice shared for Behaviour Change and Business Programmes for climate action NGO WRAP (The Waste and Resources Action Programme)
 
Description Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Guidance to the Champions
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to new or improved professional practice
 
Description Expert Witness Report in the High Court of Justice Case between River Action UK and the Environment Agency and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and National farmers' Union.
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description Identification of Priority research Themes
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
 
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 UKRI Visit to Fix Our Food
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
 
Description Welsh Labour Community Food Strategy
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description Welsh Minister for Social Justice funding for local food partnerships
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health
Impact There were several new local food partnerships initiated as a result of the funding (including Pembroke, where Angelina Sanderson Bellamy spoke at their inaugural partnership meeting) and many more able to support a local food coordinator for a year in addition to other activities.
URL https://www.foodsensewales.org.uk/minister-for-social-justice-announces-support-for-food-partnership...
 
Description Land Use for NetZero (LUNZ) Hub
Amount £7,800,000 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/Y008723/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2023 
 
Description Champions 2023 - Anna McCready 
Organisation University of Reading
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Champions have organised events individually and in groups. The Champions of this cohort were funded by the project in order to dedicate their resources to the activities carried out on behalf of the network. The champions were offered guidance on growing their networks, managing EDI and access to support from the operations team in running events as part of interaction with the project. Each is expected to prepare a written report of activities, and identify research gaps and priorities. Champions are also keen to be involved in handing over to the second wave of Champions who commence their work in January 2024. Through Network activities such as the scenario production process and Big Tent event, a set of six priority research themes were identified. Champion events have been designed to explore specific thematic issues and research questions, but with a common emphasis on building interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral networks and expanding interaction with the Network's Community of Practice. Champions are coming to the end of their funded terms. Each will prepare a written report of activities, and identify research gaps and priorities. Champions are also keen to be involved in handing over to the second wave of Champions who commence their work in January 2024. Through Network activities such as the scenario production process and Big Tent event, a set of six priority research themes were identified.
Collaborator Contribution TBC
Impact Events around Novel Technologies, Analytics, Supply Chain & Consumption (Cellular Agriculture) 1-2 Workshops planned - Explore the role of cellular agriculture on decarbonisation of food protein and fat production within the perspectives of a new approach to production, taking a supply chain, consumer demand and food system view, to identify critical knowledge and activity gaps in the progression towards net zero in agrifood, summarised below: 6 July: Planned - Online 11 July: Planned - Online 13 September: Planned - Online Aims: Explore the potential of decarbonisation through cellular agriculture in achieving net-zero emissions within the UK food system, including the challenges and opportunities related to greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Analyse the land use implications of large-scale implementation cellular agriculture technologies. Assess consumer attitudes towards food produced through cellular agriculture, including factors such as naturalness, sustainability, appeal, cost, safety, and cultural and religious considerations. Examine the interactions of cellular agriculture technologies with other food systems, and identify potential synergies and ways to maximise the benefits of these interactions. Impact: We hope to: Develop a better understanding of current resources, needs and concerns Identify key barriers, opportunities and potential for cellular agriculture with respect to land use change, decarbonising the UK food supply chain, consumer behaviour and food systems interactions Learn more about the issues and challenges facing the agrifood sector to inform AFN+ scenario development Disseminate our findings to influence UK agrifood policy Represented AFN+ at Nigel Scollan's International Meeting at Queen's University Belfast on 23-24 March. Attended the training for the Plausible futures workshops on 17 March. Attended the online Plausible future Scenarios Workshop 2, 23 March Facilitated/took notes at the Plausible future Scenarios Workshop 3 on 4 April, leading a breakout group and delivering notes to the AFN Network for further scenarios development. Facilitated at the Big Tent event in Leeds on 26-27 April to support development of the scenarios. I led breakout groups with attendees at both events, delivering notes to the AFN Network for further scenarios development. Attended John Ingram's Beans Narrative workshop in Birmingham on 5 April and delivered notes for dissemination to the AFN Network for scenarios development. Attended Heiko Balzter's Net Zero Nexus in the Fens workshop 10 March and contributed views and ideas. Interviewed 25 May by Jez Fredenburgh for a podcast on Net Zero and dietary shift - how psychology and poverty determine food choices Behaviour Change Roadshow with two other Champions Bicton College, Devon - 23rd June Braxted Hall, Essex - 26th June Buccleuch Estate, Scotland - 2nd August Compton Verney, Warwickshire - 9th August Hazlewood Castle, Yorkshire - 11th September
Start Year 2022
 
Description Champions 2023 - Heiko Balzter 
Organisation University of Leicester
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Leicester and Director of the Centre for Landscape and Climate Research, Heiko leads UKRI's Landscape Decisions Programme and NERC's National Centre for Earth Observation's International Programme. The champions was offered guidance on growing their networks, managing EDI and access to support from the operations team in running events as part of interaction with the project. They were also funded to carry out engagement and research activities.
Collaborator Contribution TBC
Impact Publication: State of Knowledge on UK Agricultural Peatlands for Food Production and the Net Zero Transition Prof Heiko Balzter et al; On the 10th March 2023, a workshop Food/Net Zero Nexus in the Fens was held Champions have organised events individually and in groups. These included events examining the food/net zero nexus in the Fens to the system-wide issues raised by incorporating more pulses into diets to replace meat. Champion events have been designed to explore specific thematic issues and research questions, but with a common emphasis on building interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral networks and expanding interaction with the Network's Community of Practice. Champions are coming to the end of their funded terms. Each will prepare a written report of activities, and identify research gaps and priorities. Champions are also keen to be involved in handing over to the second wave of Champions who commence their work in January 2024. Through Network activities such as the scenario production process and Big Tent event, a set of six priority research themes were identified. These are as follows:
Start Year 2022
 
Description Champions 2023 - India Langley 
Organisation LettUs Grow
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Champion events have been designed to explore specific thematic issues and research questions, but with a common emphasis on building interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral networks and expanding interaction with the Network's Community of Practice. The Champions of this cohort were funded by the project in order to dedicate their resources to the activities carried out on behalf of the network. The champions were offered guidance on growing their networks, managing EDI and access to support from the operations team in running events as part of interaction with the project. Each is expected to prepare a written report of activities, and identify research gaps and priorities. Champions are also keen to be involved in handing over to the second wave of Champions who commence their work in January 2024. Through Network activities such as the scenario production process and Big Tent event, a set of six priority research themes were identified.
Collaborator Contribution TBC
Impact India is the Food Systems Research Lead at LettUs Grow, with eight years experience working across alternative food production methods and technologies in everything from start-ups to non-profits and multinational companies. She was on the Take a Bite out of Climate Change project team, provides support to FixOurFood's Grow It York program, and is pursuing postgraduate study at the Centre for Food Policy in London. Activities included: Literature reviews, government strategy reviews, expert interviews, and systems mapping were used to identify intervention points which could connect and accelerate net zero oriented agri-food innovation deployment. A literature review was conducted aiming to explore the role of agri-food innovations in net zero, identify barriers and enablers to scaling net zero oriented agri-food innovations, and investigate opportunities for synergies between them. It sought to understand policy's role within this, and whether a mission economy policy-framework could be more supportive than the status quo. This included a review of eight government strategy documents related to net zero oriented agri-food innovations, including four directed at the UK's innovation strategy, two targeted at food and farming innovation, one food strategy, and one innovation report. Event activities carried out included: 1) AFN+ Circular CEA Clusters (in person) 2) Personal invitation, circulation of the invitation through the FarmTech Society, advertisement of the event through the GreenTech website and brochure. 3) 15 4) Industry players in the controlled environment agriculture sector: Mostly founders, researchers, business developers, and horticultural growers. 5) In person 6) Live discussions around the topics: Main Q's How can cross-disciplinary collaboration, the establishment of shared resource networks, or knowledge-sharing platforms accelerate innovation and the adoption of indoor farming solutions? As we explore the concept of clusters and interconnected farms, it's important to consider not only circularity and ecological footprints but also sustainable business models. In your view, how can circularity, clustering benefits, and sustainable business models be harmonised to create long-term success in the indoor farming industry? Historically, the financing of CEA facilities, particularly vertical farms (VF), has often led to a lack of collaboration within the industry - with many companies playing their cards close to their chests. How can collaboration and knowledge exchange be better fostered within the indoor farming industry to enhance scalability, efficiency, and sustainability? Energy use is a major concern in indoor farming. How can the industry foster collaboration to develop energy-efficient solutions, share resources and build best practices for sustainable cultivation? Subsidiary Q'd In the pursuit of achieving more efficient indoor farming practices, what are the key areas where collaboration and shared resources can make a significant impact? In terms of research and development, what are the untapped opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration to accelerate innovation in horticulture technology? Circular CEA clusters have the potential to create localised ecosystems of interconnected indoor farms. What are some key benefits and challenges of establishing such clusters, particularly in terms of optimising energy usage and moving towards achieving energy self-sufficiency? Circular CEA clusters require strong cooperation among various stakeholders, including farmers, technology providers, researchers, and policymakers. What are the key strategies to foster effective collaboration and create a supportive ecosystem for circular CEA clusters to thrive? Circular economy principles often involve extending the life cycle of materials and products. How can circular CEA clusters promote the reuse and recycling of materials, such as substrates, growing mediums, or automation components, to reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency? How can these clusters bridge the gap between research and commercial implementation, enabling faster adoption of innovative indoor farming solutions? What role can industry associations or professional networks play in fostering collaboration and sharing resources among indoor growers, and what strategies can be employed to encourage their involvement? What are the potential benefits of establishing shared research facilities or knowledge-sharing platforms to promote collaboration and advance the field of indoor farming? What are some successful examples of collaborative training initiatives that have enhanced skills and knowledge sharing within the indoor farming community? 1) AFN+ Decarbonisation through Cellular Agriculture (Online Workshop) 2) Personal invitations through the networks of three champions (Parag, Anna, and myself) 3) 23 4) A mixture of cellular agriculture industry players, farmers and academics interested in cellular agriculture. 5) Online 6) Recorded discussion around the following questions: How can cellular agriculture contribute to achieving net-zero emissions in the food sector? What are the specific challenges and opportunities for cellular agriculture in reducing greenhouse gas emissions? What land use changes can be expected with the large-scale implementation of cellular agriculture technologies? To what extent will energy, feed or water requirements determine the location, scale and distribution of the production? What are the current consumer perceptions of protein produced through cellular agriculture in terms of naturalness, sustainability, appeal, cost, and safety? How do cultural and religious factors, such as halal or kosher requirements, influence consumer acceptance? How can consumer attitudes be improved to increase their adoption? Are there potential circular opportunities for these outputs? (What will be the primary feedstock & waste products, & where will it be supplied from/ be dealt with?) How will the product be packaged, handled and transported? Will there be a need for specific cold chain logistics for example or will the product be shelf stable/ long shelf life? 1) 1:1 Interviews with Sustainable Innovation Managers 2) Personal invitations through my network, introductions by mutual connections, and searching the websites of agri-tech centres, agri-innovation centres of excellence, 3) 10 4) To qualify for the interview, participants needed a job title equivalent to "Innovation Manager". Those specialising in sustainability were prioritised. 5) Mixed: online and in person 6) Recorded answers to the following questions In your cohorts, what are the main innovation trends you're seeing that are trying to help the UK reach NZ? By trend I mean broad groupings like insect farming, controlled environment agriculture, small autonomous robots, or anaerobic digestion. What are the biggest barriers that XYZ sector needs to overcome? (Ask for each trend identified) What would enable XYZ sector to scale more quickly? (Ask for each trend identified) In your professional opinion, how viable is XYZ sector? (Ask for each trend identified) Of which the output is a 30 000 report currently being prepared for open access. Non academic audiences enagaged included: Involvement of innovation experts in events and interviews Involvement of innovation actors (founders and employees of agri-food innovation start-ups) in events Promotion of work through wide food systems audiences via social media and at events. Further impact as detailed below: Funding was accessed and a pilot project started exploring the use of digestate from anaerobic digesters as synthetic fertiliser substitute in aeroponic controlled environment agriculture. Open access paper currently being written to share findings. Two blogs written Two speaking appointments 15 social media posts At least one new Champion elected as a direct result of role as Champion. Further representation of the AFN network as detailed below: Oxford Farming Conference - (networking and discussing the AFN with other delegates) Oxford Real Farming Conference (networking and discussing the AFN with other delegates) Lecture at Royal Agricultural University (two slides added to my lecture informing MSc Agri-Tech students about the network) Fresh Produce Consortium (networking, discussing the AFN with other delegates and standholders, and inviting innovation managers to interview) AgriFood4NetZero Network+ Plausible Future Scenarios (1) (AFN event, I was the scribe) AgriFood4NetZero Network+ Plausible Future Scenarios (2) (AFN event, I was the scribe) AgriFood4NetZero Network+ Beans Workshop (another AFN champion event, I was a participant adding to discussion) AFN Network+ LUNZ discussion (AFN event, I was in attendance but contributed little) AFN Network+ Big Tent (AFN event, I facilitated two discussions, was on a panel and recorded a podcast) Circle of Leaders (protected horticulture) (networking and discussing the AFN with other delegates) GreenTech (used event to host my in-person workshop, networking and discussing the AFN with other delegates) AFN Network+ Crucible (AFN event: lead a group bid and generally supported other teams and networked across the network) Indoor AgTech (networking and discussing the AFN with other delegates) AgriFood4NetZero Network+ Champions Workshop Supporting Individual and Institutional Behaviour Change Towards Net Zero (1) (AFN Champion event: participated in breakout groups) AgriFood4NetZero Network+ Champions Workshop Supporting Individual and Institutional Behaviour Change Towards Net Zero (2) (AFN Champion event: participated in breakout groups) State visit Bordeaux (networking and discussing the AFN with other delegates) Agri-Tech: Accelerating Innovation (networking and discussing the AFN with other delegates) Transdisciplinary solutions to meet the UK Food System Challenges (networking and discussing the AFN with other delegates) AFN Network+ Agri-Food System and Net Zero workshop (AFN event: participated in breakout groups) COP28 (networking and discussing the AFN with other delegates) The focus was on industry voices rather than the conventional academic perspectives. This deliberate choice aimed to encompass a broader range of experiences and insights that might not be adequately represented in traditional academic circles. The Champion intentionally sought out voices from various backgrounds, including professionals, practitioners, and experts from underrepresented communities within the industry. This strategy was instrumental in enriching the dialogue with a wide array of viewpoints, and creating a more comprehensive and inclusive narrative. The Champion made conscious efforts to address not only demographic diversity but also diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise. By actively engaging with individuals who may not be considered the 'usual suspects' in the field, aimed to create a more inclusive and representative discussion that reflects the variety within the agri-food system. The decision was taken to include individual interviews to allow these people to speak freely, have confidence in their answers and not feel the need to agree with the "usual suspects" in group dynamics. This approach not only contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of the theme but also fostered a more inclusive and equitable environment for discourse.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Champions 2023 - John Ingram 
Organisation University of Oxford
Department Environmental Change Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Champions have organised events individually and in groups. The Champions of this cohort were funded by the project in order to dedicate their resources to the activities carried out on behalf of the network. The champions were offered guidance on growing their networks, managing EDI and access to support from the operations team in running events as part of interaction with the project. Each is expected to prepare a written report of activities, and identify research gaps and priorities. Champions are also keen to be involved in handing over to the second wave of Champions who commence their work in January 2024. Through Network activities such as the scenario production process and Big Tent event, a set of six priority research themes were identified. Champion events have been designed to explore specific thematic issues and research questions, but with a common emphasis on building interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral networks and expanding interaction with the Network's Community of Practice. Champions are coming to the end of their funded terms. Each will prepare a written report of activities, and identify research gaps and priorities. Champions are also keen to be involved in handing over to the second wave of Champions who commence their work in January 2024. Through Network activities such as the scenario production process and Big Tent event, a set of six priority research themes were identified.
Collaborator Contribution TBC
Impact John is ECI Food Programme Leader at Oxford University, leads the 'Interdisciplinary Food Systems Teaching and Learning' programme, and co-leads the Foresight4Food and Food System Impact Valuation programmes. He also coordinated the GFS £15m 'Resilience of the UK Food System' programme. Review Paper, 'A Systematic Analysis of the Contribution of Pulses to Net Zero in the UK', (Marcus Horril, Rosanne Maguire and John Ingram) submitted to Environmental Research Food Systems; a Summit Report Beans as a vehicle for transforming food system outcomes , Marcus Horril (working with John Ingram). It should be noted that some of the funding was used to support the work of a research assistant Activities included to assess who's doing what across the beans/legume food system arena that could contribute to Net 0, with outputs inlcuding a list of key stakeholders established. and a literature review by RA Marcus Horril to identify the state of research for the nine research questions that made up the narrative. There were several workshops in April and July, of which the April workshop is summarised below: Beans Narrative Workshop, Birmingham on 5th of April All Champions invited and also asking them all to nominate people from their area of expertise. The workshop explored and evaluated a narrative that mapped across all nine Themes of the AFN Network +. The aim was to capture opportunities and challenges for 'Systems Interactions in Supply Chains' (Theme 8) for this case study in relation to the other eight themes, with a view to identifying new research questions and enlarging the Community of Practice to address them. The main output was an example discussion pathway towards Net Zero based on diet change towards beans instead of red meat, with the impact being realisation of potential for Net 0 across whole supply chain. AFN links were drawn through the co-convening with Beans Is How and BeanMeals a workshop 27-28 Sept to bring together a diverse community interested in beans/legumes. This has spawned a multi stakeholder working group to agree common agenda and codevelop new research proposals which I am leading for the duration of the BeanMeals project, i.e. until Nov 2024. Further impact is summarised below: Mapping of potential involvement of all 9 AFN Champ areas designed on a logical sequence of engagement: 1. Design systemic intervention to change towards more bean-based diets then 2. Estimate UK value chain trade-offs for bean-based meals and 3. Scope feasibility of developing novel foods based on bean cultivars then 4. Measure the impact of CO2e information on decision-making by procurers and 5. Survey of attitudes towards alternative beans in farming systems then 6. Review of the impact of nitrogen-fixing beans on runoff and 7. Review the impact of including beans in the crop rotation on soil carbon capture and nitrogen availability for the following crop (reducing the rate of N fertiliser and N2O emissions) With follow on activities including a Webinar on Systemic Innovation as exemplified by the BeanMeals TUKFS project. planned for May this year
Start Year 2022
 
Description Champions 2023 - Parag Acharya 
Organisation University of Greenwich
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Parag is Senior Fellow in Food Innovation at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, with 14 years' industrial R&D experience in the food and biotechnology sectors - including as Unilever's science lead (2011-2020). He's worked on climate-smart, alternative protein foods funded by GCRF, STFC Food Network+, SUSFOOD2 ERA-NET and Defra. On the 6th and 11th of July there were 2 online workshops online on Fat and Protein decarbonisation through cellular agriculture The champions was offered guidance on growing their networks, managing EDI and access to support from the operations team in running events as part of interaction with the project. They were also funded to carry out engagement and research activities.
Collaborator Contribution TBC
Impact Champions have organised events individually and in groups. These included events examining the food/net zero nexus in the Fens to the system-wide issues raised by incorporating more pulses into diets to replace meat. Champion events have been designed to explore specific thematic issues and research questions, but with a common emphasis on building interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral networks and expanding interaction with the Network's Community of Practice. Champions are coming to the end of their funded terms. Each will prepare a written report of activities, and identify research gaps and priorities. Champions are also keen to be involved in handing over to the second wave of Champions who commence their work in January 2024. Through Network activities such as the scenario production process and Big Tent event, a set of six priority research themes were identified.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Champions 2023 - Richard Pywell 
Organisation UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Richard is Head of Biodiversity Science at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. He has 25 years' research experience of working with the farming industry and policymakers to balance sustainable food production with reversing biodiversity declines. He led the Defra and Natural England-funded Hillesden Farm Research Platform, and currently co-leads the AgZero+ programme. The champions was offered guidance on growing their networks, managing EDI and access to support from the operations team in running events as part of interaction with the project. They were also funded to carry out engagement and research activities.
Collaborator Contribution TBC
Impact Events: Peatland Re-wetting - Greenhouse Gas Removals Demonstrator, Pollybell Farm, Doncaster Myerscough College, Preston Biomass Production July Peatland Re-wettingGreenhouse Gas Removals Demonstrator, Pollybell Farm, Doncaster Champions have organised events individually and in groups. These included events examining the food/net zero nexus in the Fens to the system-wide issues raised by incorporating more pulses into diets to replace meat. Champion events have been designed to explore specific thematic issues and research questions, but with a common emphasis on building interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral networks and expanding interaction with the Network's Community of Practice. Champions are coming to the end of their funded terms. Each will prepare a written report of activities, and identify research gaps and priorities. Champions are also keen to be involved in handing over to the second wave of Champions who commence their work in January 2024. Through Network activities such as the scenario production process and Big Tent event, a set of six priority research themes were identified. These are as follows
Start Year 2022
 
Description Champions 2023 - Robert Costanza 
Organisation University College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Champion events have been designed to explore specific thematic issues and research questions, but with a common emphasis on building interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral networks and expanding interaction with the Network's Community of Practice. The Champions of this cohort were funded by the project in order to dedicate their resources to the activities carried out on behalf of the network. The champions were offered guidance on growing their networks, managing EDI and access to support from the operations team in running events as part of interaction with the project. Each is expected to prepare a written report of activities, and identify research gaps and priorities. Champions are also keen to be involved in handing over to the second wave of Champions who commence their work in January 2024. Through Network activities such as the scenario production process and Big Tent event, a set of six priority research themes were identified.
Collaborator Contribution TBC
Impact Robert is Professor of Ecological Economics at the Institute for Global Prosperity (IGP) at University College London (UCL). He's a Fellow in the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia (ASSA) and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) in the UK, an Overseas Expert in the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and a Senior Fellow at the Stockholm Resilience Centre at the University of Stockholm. Achieving net zero in the agri-food sector is a multifaceted endeavour that demands a comprehensive understanding of its complex dynamics, encompassing production, supply chains, consumption, waste management, land use, governance, economics, trade, and beyond. In order to address this demand, I led three workshops on mapping of the UK agri-food stakeholders and processes using the method of systems mapping and modelling. The three workshops were convened in April 2023, September 2023, and January 2024 to: (1) generate the systems map/conceptual model of the UK agri-food sector through a participatory approach, (2) identify leverage points for change, and (3) initiate development of a preliminary systems dynamics model of the UK agri-food system. The first workshop and the preparation for it generally functioned as Activity 1 in this report. Activity 1 (workshop 1) introduced/reviewed: i) the methods of systems thinking and diagramming, and group model building; and ii) their application in agri-food studies; iii) kumu.io as the tool for (systems) mapping and collaborating. Then, through group interaction, the participants produced a candidate list of elements in the UK agri-food system, from the perspective of the food life cycle. The participants also discussed the basic structure of the agri-food conceptual model. After the in-person session, the workshop produced a preliminary structure of the conceptual model and circulated it with the participants online. For the three workshops as a whole, the resulting conceptual model aimed to capture the major stocks and flows in this complex system and identify leverage points for potential transformation. This model ultimately will contribute to the identification and development of plausible pathways to a net zero UK. During the workshops, hierarchical graphs of the conceptual model were created, representing a shared comprehension of the UK agri-food system. The conceptual model served as a foundational tool for discussions during and outside the workshops on the leverage points and plausible pathways for transformation. The model also provided the groundwork for more quantitative Systems Dynamics (SD) modelling and research endeavours. Participants of the workshop also engaged in thematic discussions on the optimal level of complexity the conceptual model should capture, future modelling options, such as sector-specific analyses, integration of modelling methods, and specific farming practices to focus on. Activity 1 produced: A preliminary list of identified elements in the conceptual model and their general positions within the food life cycle, from which a preliminary conceptual mapping of the UK agri-food systems was built. This preliminary list includes around 100 elements and the major connections among them. A dataset documenting the list of elements and their connections. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CCmzpT9MSC8uN1Acuz5LGe_nls9VFsnd/ Model: Conceptual Model of the UK agri-food system, Prof Robert Costanza A conceptual model of the UK agri-food system; Foundational structure of a SD model based on the conceptual mapping; Engagement with diverse stakeholders through a participatory approach; Introduced the perspective of systems thinking/agri-food systems to more non-academic stakeholders; Cultivated a network of stakeholders who have interest in further developing modelling and mapping skills, and facilitated communication across stakeholder groups. Events included: Events title: Agri-food System Conceptual Modelling Workshops Event theme: Systems Interactions and Complexity The participants were recruited through: The event webpage of AFN Network+, social media, word of mouth, and in-person recruit at other relevant events. The number of participants: respectively, around 20, 25 and 30 participants registered for the three workshops and have been following the progress of the workshops and providing feedbacks and comments online. Around 45 participants attended at least one in the series of workshops in person. The participants at the workshops were from academia, the public sector, and agricultural practitioners, including organic farmers and food processors. The workshops were hosted in person at Room 301, One Pool Street, UCL East, London. The workshops also circulated outcomes online with the participants, and received and incorporated many online feedbacks into its final outcomes. For the content of the first workshop, please see the previous section of "Activity 1: Describe Activity". The second workshop reviewed the preliminary structure of the conceptual model, facilitated group discussions, and modified the structure of conceptual model using kumu.io based on the discussions. The group discussions at the workshop covered the following topics: i) checked for any missed key stocks and flows; ii) important factors controlling the key flows; iii) crucial feedback loops emerged from the structure; iv) the main leverage points for transformation towards net zero; and v) the main barriers, incentives and opportunities for positive change. Later, the workshop modified the structure of the agri-food conceptual model based on the comments and feedbacks from the participatory process. The workshop also produced hierarchical graphs of the systems mapping and provided participants with periodic updates of the outcomes. At this stage, the conceptual model also functioned as the basis of another workshop at Cambridge Potato Growers Association (CUPGRA), where around 80 to 90 farmers and processors developed systems maps focusing on greenhouse gas emissions and crucial factors controlling the key flows. The third workshop first refreshed the updates on the UK agri-food conceptual model and reviewed the hierarchical graphs of the conceptual model. The participants discussed and provided comments on the structure of the hierarchical graphs, the appropriate level of complexity the different hierarchical graphs should capture, and further checked for missing elements and flows. Then, the workshop presented a candidate list of key leverage points based on their degree of centrality in the conceptual model. The participants discussed the candidate list, the selection method, and other possible methods for generating the list of key leverage points. More importantly, based on the systems mapping, the workshop demonstrated and used SD modelling software (Stella) to produce the foundational structure of a quantitative simulation model of the UK agri-food system. This live process was highly interactive and combined expert knowledge from the participants and modeller. Lastly, the participants discussed the modelling software and method, potential direction, opportunity for future development of the SD model, and possible proxies for the variables in the model and systems mapping. Outputs included: Systems mapping of hierarchy: a whole-system view of the conceptual model of the UK agri-food system: From which the extrapolations are available: a systems graph at a higher level of hierarchy: views of the candidate leverage points, weighted by outdegree: Data (spreadsheet) derived from the systems mapping Overall structure of the SD model in Stella modules There were many non-academic audiences throughout 2023, both during and outside the workshop series. Below are the main groups of the non-academic audiences: Participants of workshops: from organic farming organisations and the public sector. Farmers and processors at CUPGRA, of which many were introduced for the first time the perspective of systems thinking and agri-food systems and became very interested in further develop their own systems maps based on the existing conceptual model, or independently, to benefit their business operations. Other agri-food industry stakeholders: sheep farmers from the National Sheep Association (NSA) and meat processors (at the AFN Crucible event and later through the AFN funded scoping studies "Mapping incentives for change in the transition to NetZero", which is inspired by the content and method of this workshop series). Other impact included: Inspired other agri-food projects using the method of systems thinking: Workshop at the 34th Annual Cambridge Potato Conference: Mapping the potato food network in relation to Net Zero, Sarah Roberts, National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) and Tianchu Lu, University College London (UCL) AFN Scoping Studies: Mapping incentives for change in the transition to NetZero, Shailesh Shrestha, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Steven Jacobs, Organic Farmers & Growers CIC (OF&G); Nicola Noble, NSA; Kerry Whiteside, Samworth Brothers; Albert Boaitey, Newcastle University; Tianchu Lu, UCL; Joy Okwuwa-Okonkwo, University of West England; Tarek Soliman, SRUC Other events attended as part of role included: 1. EU Beyond Growth 2023 Conference, plenary talk on systems modelling and policy - see Comment in Nature. 2. AFN Big Tent Event 2023 (engaged with industry stakeholders, who later participated in the Scoping Studies project) Champions have organised events individually and in groups. These included events examining the food/net zero nexus in the Fens to the system-wide issues raised by incorporating more pulses into diets to replace meat. Champion events have been designed to explore specific thematic issues and research questions, but with a common emphasis on building interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral networks and expanding interaction with the Network's Community of Practice. Champions are coming to the end of their funded terms. Each will prepare a written report of activities, and identify research gaps and priorities. Champions are also keen to be involved in handing over to the second wave of Champions who commence their work in January 2024. Through Network activities such as the scenario production process and Big Tent event, a set of six priority research themes were identified.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Champions 2023 - Simon Wilcock 
Organisation Rothamsted Research
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Simon is a Principal Scientist at Rothamsted Research and Professor of Sustainability at University of Bangor. He's an interdisciplinary researcher with a strong track record across UKRI (>£5M) in large-scale social science, ecosystem services, and resilience and tipping points. Champions have organised events individually and in groups. These included events examining the food/net zero nexus in the Fens to the system-wide issues raised by incorporating more pulses into diets to replace meat. Champion events have been designed to explore specific thematic issues and research questions, but with a common emphasis on building interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral networks and expanding interaction with the Network's Community of Practice. Champions are coming to the end of their funded terms. Each will prepare a written report of activities, and identify research gaps and priorities. Champions are also keen to be involved in handing over to the second wave of Champions who commence their work in January 2024. Through Network activities such as the scenario production process and Big Tent event, a set of six priority research themes were identified. These are as follows
Collaborator Contribution Champions have organised events individually and in groups. These included events examining the food/net zero nexus in the Fens to the system-wide issues raised by incorporating more pulses into diets to replace meat. Champion events have been designed to explore specific thematic issues and research questions, but with a common emphasis on building interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral networks and expanding interaction with the Network's Community of Practice. Champions are coming to the end of their funded terms. Each will prepare a written report of activities, and identify research gaps and priorities. Champions are also keen to be involved in handing over to the second wave of Champions who commence their work in January 2024. Through Network activities such as the scenario production process and Big Tent event, a set of six priority research themes were identified. These are as follows
Impact Literature was reviewed to address the following action: ACTION 2.1: Map current knowledge by answering the below questions, with the aim of being able to provide greater insight by the end of the network activities (i.e. in 2.5 years time). This was summarised in a 2,000 word report that was shared with AFN. The primary achievement was the seven events. The data collected by me on barriers to adopting restorative 'maximum sustainable yield' type approaches will be useful, as will the local solutions that were also identified These occured in Devon, Essex, Scotland, Warwickshire, Yorkshire, wales and online throughout the summer and autumn, attendance numbers varied from 20 to 28 with total attendance being 149. Participants were classified as: Academic/Research Policy maker NGO/Charity Farmer/Producer Consultant Utilities Trade Association/Advisor Retailer Manufacturer/Processor Media (journalist) They were recruited via our personal networks, as well as the AFN community mailing list. The champion's focussed sessions included: Recognising that much of agriculture is unsustainable (e.g. widespread declines in biodiversity and soil organic carbon, we seek to identifying the barriers stopping us moving away from a focus on maximum yields and towards a 'Maximum Sustainable Yield' type approach. A similar shift occurred recently in fisheries. We would like to discuss the potential barriers to this approach and then, for the most important barriers, try to suggest possible solutions! The workshops have already had some impact. Participants greatly enjoyed attending the events, and this was commented on by many. As a result, many joined the AFN community mailing lists and will further engage with the programme in future. One of the reason for their enjoyment was the ability to share ideas with their peers and spend time thinking about issues they would not normally prioritise. For some, this may have changed their thinking in a few areas. Further impact will be achieved once the academic paper (above) is complete as that is when the full findings will be known The participants have been informed of the preliminary results. Podcasts were produced directly for AFN, and recording for the NFYFC- Uplands Podcast is due shortly. Other impact is likely to follow the production of an academic paper which once published will be updated in research fish Alongside Richard Pywell, I represented AFN in numerous meetings with the AgZero+ project (https://agzeroplus.org.uk/). AgZero+ is an ambitious five-year research programme supporting the UK's transition towards domestic food production that is sustainable, carbon-neutral and has a positive effect on nature. The main result was to ensure that the two programmes did not duplicate effort. I also represented AFN at Rothamsted Research, resulting in at least one ECR applying for and winning £50k as PI. At the Big Tent in Leeds in 2023, it was very obvious that there was a strong academic bias in AFN. I addressed this by ensuring that my events were at locations attractive to producers, as well as spread throughout the UK to ensure these busy people did not have far to travel. Furthermore, we showed respect for their time and contributions, covering this with a compensatory payment, as well as covering any travel expenses. This resulted in strong engagement with producers, who are the primary target of my role. In general, the events had a good gender balance, although most individual were white (which is somewhat reflective of the agricultural sector). Cross-thematic working was necessary in order to achieve success. I worked with the other behaviour change champions on all the events and this vastly increased our convening power (as well as our resources!). As a result, we were able to garner strong engagement in a series of day-long events that covered three themes in one go. This approach worked extremely well.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Champions 2024 - Caeli Richardson 
Organisation AbacusBio
Department AbacusBio UK
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Caeli Richardson is a Plant and Animal Geneticist with AbacusBio International Ltd, a plant and animal breeding company. She has a PhD in Computational Biology and has been working on the International Committee of Animal Recording's Young Persons Exchange Program investigating sustainability in cattle, focusing on feed efficiency and methane emissions The contributions made by the research team thus far, is to onboard the champions to the project, offer some guidance and opportunity to engage in onboarding and developing the research themes further for the network
Collaborator Contribution tbc - more will be included in future reporting as collaboration matures
Impact tbc - more will be included in future reporting as collaboration matures
Start Year 2024
 
Description Champions 2024 - Georgie Barber 
Organisation Food, Farming and Countryside Commission
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Georgie Barber works as the Land Use and Countryside lead for the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission. Previously, she worked for the Global Alliance for the Future of Food and the European Climate Foundation - on food systems, nature and climate. The contributions made by the research team thus far, is to onboard the champions to the project, offer some guidance and opportunity to engage in onboarding and developing the research themes further for the network
Collaborator Contribution tbc - more will be included in future reporting as collaboration matures
Impact tbc - more will be included in future reporting as collaboration matures
Start Year 2024
 
Description Champions 2024 - Saher Hasnain 
Organisation University of Oxford
Department Environmental Change Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Saher Hasnain is a researcher at the Food Systems Transformation Programme with the University of Oxford's Environmental Change Institute. Trained as an environmental scientist and geographer, she currently works on an interdisciplinary portfolio focused on food systems and foresight analysis. She has served as the Chair of the Network's Early Career Researchers Board this year. The contributions made by the research team thus far, is to onboard the champions to the project, offer some guidance and opportunity to engage in onboarding and developing the research themes further for the network
Collaborator Contribution tbc - more will be included in future reporting as collaboration matures
Impact tbc - more will be included in future reporting as collaboration matures
Start Year 2024
 
Description 'The undeserving poor': How food system transformation is middle class and why this needs to change Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Speaker: Dominic Watters
Chair: Neil Ward

Intended purpose:

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.

Accompanying briefing; https://www.agrifood4netzero.net/uploads/1/1/9/5/119571121/why_food_system_transformation_is_middle_class_and_why_that_needs_to_change_-_dominic_watters.pdf
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqpufpERStw&t=8s
 
Description 9 Lessons and Carols for Curious People 2023, Guest Scientist 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Guest speaker/scientist as 9 Lessons and Carols for Curious People 2023 hosted by Robin Ince for Cosmic Shambles
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://cosmicshambles.com/ninelessons
 
Description Agroforestry - an opportunity for sustainable UK food systems? Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Speaker: Stephen Briggs
Chair: Neil Ward

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwI_cBn84oI&t=359s
 
Description Aiming for net zero in food & farming - what are the wins and trade-offs? Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Speaker: Pete Faloon
Chair: Neil Ward

Intended purpose:

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk3sDNNeBSs
 
Description Armchair chat and Q&A at the NFU conference 'Food security in a changing world 
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 Discussion around the themes of Food system transformation for food security while in conversation and Q&A chaired by NFU deputy president Tom bradshaw
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/nfu23-food-security-in-a-changing-world/
 
Description BBC Radio 4 recording of pilot for Radio 4 in preparation of a new programme for 2024. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Recording of a pilot for a new environmental radio programme, which is being launched next year, presented by environmental journalist, Tom Heap and physicist, Helen Czerski, for BBC internal use in preparation for the programme. The subject of the pilot programme will be food and the environment - looking at how to feed a growing world population while minimising the impact on the environment.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Big Tent 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The Big Tent event took place in Leeds over two days in April. Around 80 people attended, of which three-quarters were academics and a quarter were from stakeholder organisations. The Big Tent agenda was carefully planned to ensure sufficient time for networking, with good use of meal and coffee breaks. There were numerous opportunities for interaction, feedback and input into shaping the network from the Community of Practice (CoP). The agenda included keynote presentations from Daniel Zeichner MP, the Shadow Minister for Food and Farming, and Anthea Stephenson, Founder of Willow. Daniel Zeicher's address to the meeting was videoed and is available on the Network's YouTube channel.
Tim Benton led a plenary session on the Network's four scenarios for plausible futures which were developed between February and April (see WP2 section below). Breakout sessions reflected on these scenarios and their implications for research priorities before a final plenary helped capture the overarching insights of the Big Tent discussions. The outputs from the Big Tent fed into our approach to the call for Scoping Studies (WP3) which was launched in June. Feedback on the event was broadly positive, but flagged the balance between academic and non-academic participants. All respondents found the event useful and reported they would look to continue to engage with the Network.

Feedback from Early Career Researchers:
"IT WAS GREAT TO FEEL THAT MY CONTRIBUTIONS WERE PART OF A BIGGER AND COHESIVE WHOLE. AN ABSOLUTELY INSPIRING AND ENERGISING EVENT THAT DEMONSTRATED THE BENEFIT OF FACE TO FACE INTERACTIVE SESSIONS AND A FLAT AND INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE IN LARGE NETWORK PROGRAMS."
Dr Saher Hasnain, Researcher at the Food Systems Transformation Programme, University of Oxford's Environmental Change Institute
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.agrifood4netzero.net/big-tent-2023.html
 
Description Breaking out of business-as-usual - alternative paths towards net zero in UK agri-food Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Chair: Tom Macmillan
Speaker: Neil Ward

Intended purpose:

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEAbI6TbcZI&t=9s
 
Description COP 28 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Attendance of Co-Lead to COP 28 in order to influence and negotiate on topics related to the climate and Food with a range of governments at a diplomatic level.
Tim Benton works closely with central government departments and with governments internationally on net zero and agri-food. This includes extensive briefings in preparation for and during the COP27 meeting at Sharm el-Sheikh in November 2022 and in the run-up to COP28 in Dubai. There has been considerable interest at senior levels in the scenarios we have produced and we anticipate organisations will be interested to make use of the scenarios in their work. He also gave a keynote at the NFU Conference in Birmingham on the future of food systems and UK farming, and regularly presents to agricultural groups on this topic.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Cambridge Global Food Security webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Guest panelist at webinar as part of GFS series. Panel included Professor Bridle and Emma Garnett (Oxford), Matthew Agarwala, and Harro van Hasselt (both Cambridge). Topic How low can you go? Can our diets ever be carbon neutral? Organised by Cambridge Global Food Security, an interdisciplinary research centre at the University of Cambridge.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.globalfood.cam.ac.uk/events/how-low-can-you-go-can-food-production-reach-net-zero
 
Description Carbon footprint of gardening slashed after breakthrough in fertiliser emissions 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Sarah Bridled was quoted in the inews article
"This is very exciting because the Haber Bosch process is a significant source of greenhouse gases through its use of fossil fuels," Sarah Bridle, professor of food, climate and society at York University, who was not involved in the research, told i.

"The new method is more environmentally friendly than current fertilisers, cheaper and could help to ensure that fewer people go hungry in the future," she said.

"Fertilisers contribute to climate change for two reasons - through their production and because they interact with microbes in the soil to produce nitrous oxide. These two contributions are roughly equal, so if the energy use of the new method is small, it could roughly halve the climate impact of fertilisers," she said.

with the purpose of extending the reach of the network
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Carbon markets - a sequestration v food dilemma, or a big opportunity? Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Speakers: Emily Norton, Jake Freestone
Chair: Neil Ward

Intended purpose:

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLWkN21fBb8&t=14s
 
Description Celebrating Black British Farming - Online workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The Black Farmers Market was created as a restorative space in celebration of the cultural and historical communal atmosphere of Brixton. It supports local growers and new businesses, to reach new customers and audiences, and to work with experienced traders and business experts to achieve success.

At this online event the founders of the Black Farmers Market, Aisha Jade and Natasha Pencil, Paulette Henry, founder of The growing collective, Black Rootz , and the Kenyan Pig Farmer Flavian Obeiro talked through their experiences starting and being part of the market. The purpose of the event was to create a warm and open environment for discussion around the topic of diversity. Themes: Perception of Black community and farming, Celebration of diversity, Culinary traditions

We talked about the genesis of the Black farmers market and how it's stands as a touchstone for the community of growers, makers, and customers, and especially for those who experience ethnic diversity and black heritage. We also had a deep dive into the Black rootz collective, what they're about, and the importance of what they do in bringing the joy, rebuilding cultures and passing on the knowledge of growing food to those who may not have been given the space. Natasha talked about traders who have interacted with the market who then have the confidence to go further in their personal and career journeys.

From the Farmers' perspective we looked at what an event like the Bblack farmers market means to the community, ; the opportunities not only to sell produce, but to build a community around growing and food. We also talked about the need for inclusion and presence of those who hold black heritage across farming and the wider food systems.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.agrifood4netzero.net/news/event-celebrating-black-british-farming
 
Description Centre for Advanced Technology, Wales 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Guest speaker on approaches to food systems transformation from a theoretical perspective. Prof. Bridle provided an example of real research/policy initiatives. And as many of the attendees took part in a Three Horizons exercise as part of their core introductory module - Prof. Bridle able to address an application of this in practice and applied to food.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://cat.org.uk/
 
Description Centre for Food Policy, City University of London webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Professor Bridle convened significant players in the food, climate and education spaces to address pedagogic and entertaining ways of making food and climate change significant features of school curricula.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Christ's College Climate Seminars, Climate Seminar 3: Practical climate politics for the 2020s - Land use, biodiversity and food. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact A Co-lead led a discussion and gave a presentation to some professional practitioners and postgraduate students on Climate politics
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.csap.cam.ac.uk/events/climate-seminar-3-land-use-biodiversity-food/
 
Description Co-production: bringing people together to bridge the food gap | Sustain (sustainweb.org) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Dr Angelina Sanderson Bellamy talks to Bridging the Gap's Programme Officer Kiloran O'Leary about her work, the value of co-production and how it will be used in Bridging the Gap.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.sustainweb.org/blogs/apr23-bridging-the-gap-coproduction-angelina-sanderson-bellamy/
 
Description Community-Supported Agriculture in Wales: Caring for the Land and the People 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Dr Angelina Sanderson Bellamy explains how community-supported agriculture can contribute to resilient communities in Wales.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2022/11/community-supported-agriculture-in-wales-caring-for-the-land-an...
 
Description DEFRA Strategy Unit Away Day 
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 Guest speaker for Defra Strategy and Delivery Units desiring highly interactive speaker session for their Awayday. Attendees have roles focussed on delivering the Secretary of State's priorities and creating both forward looking strategy and strategic coherence.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
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 Discussion of collaborative possibilities with WRAP -The Waste and Resources Action Programme (a Climate Action NGO) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Exploration of potential collaborative work with Catherine David, Director Behaviour Change and Business Programmes for climate action NGO WRAP (The Waste and Resources Action Programme)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description EA Sustain Festival 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Neil spoke at the EA Sustain Festival in Colchester on 13th January.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
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 Early Careers Researchers 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Early Careers Researchers
A Board of Early Career Researchers (ECRs) working in agri-food system research was established. An open recruitment process resulted in 22 applications and all applicants were appointed to the Board. ECR Board members are invited to Network drop-in events and there has been a good representation of ECRs at other Network events. ECR Board members have also co-organised sessions with other major initiatives such as the BBSRC's Transforming the UK Food System Programme (on the steps to becoming a PI). We took measures to ensure sufficient engagement from ECRs in bidding for Network funds (see WP3) and always consider ECR representation when convening events (e.g. their costs are covered at 100% compared to 80% for other participants).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.agrifood4netzero.net/ecr-board.html
 
Description Early Careers Researchers 2024 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact We have established the second year of the early careers board, with the induction complete and the process for selecting the board chair underway. The board chair will be responsible for providing a vision for the year, and following selection there will be a period of design in the year of activity for the ECRs. After feedback from the first year, we have ring fenced some funding to give the ECRs dedicated time to design and run ECR specific events. The ECRs have met the champions in February following which there will be a pairing and mentoring scheme similar to last year.

Revised funding arrangements have been introduced for ECR Board members with each member receiving a £2k grant to support engagement with events outside the Network and to give some autonomy in instances where their institution may not be in a position to support this. The Chair of the Board receives an additional £4k grant, to ensure sufficient time is devoted to the Board, Network and to organise ECR-specific events.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.agrifood4netzero.net/ecr-board.html
 
Description Farmers Weekly Q&A 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Attendance at a Monthly Farmers Question time event
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/questiontime/jic-20-04-2023
 
Description Five ways to make your summer barbecue better for the environment 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Sarah Bridle authored an article in a series with the following purpose
This article is part of Quarter Life, a series about issues affecting those of us in our twenties and thirties. From the challenges of beginning a career and taking care of our mental health, to the excitement of starting a family, adopting a pet or just making friends as an adult. The articles in this series explore the questions and bring answers as we navigate this turbulent period of life._
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-make-your-summer-barbecue-better-for-the-environment-206239
 
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 Security: A look at the here and now 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Bethan Grylls investigates the instability of the UK's food system, where the responsibility lies to incite change, and the debate of food price vs production price in this in-depth article, interviewed Tim Benton on the aforementioned.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2023/02/14/The-key-drivers-of-food-insecurity-and-how-it-s...
 
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 Food security under pressure: UK fruit & veg in an era of climate change (Part 1 - veg & salad crops) Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Speaker: Lee Stiles
Chair: Jez Fredenburgh

Intended purpose:

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7tCiQ5zLrc
 
Description Food security under pressure: UK fruit & veg in an era of climate change (Part 2 - fruit) Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Speaker: Ali Capper
Chair: Jez Fredenburgh

Intended purpose:

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtAxTDko7ZU
 
Description Future of the food system debate 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The knowledge exchange fellow chaired a panel
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Government for an agri-food revolution - lessons from Whitehall Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Speaker: Jill Rutter
Chair: Neil Ward

Intended purpose:

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ8gavnQ3qA&t=2s
 
Description Groundswell 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Groundswell was attended by three team members. Total attendance at Groundswell was some 6,000 participants and the focus of the festival is on regenerative farming. The AFN Network will seek to organise a dedicated session at the June 2024 festival and is considering paying for a stand. An indicative list of other events attended by Executive Team members is set out below:
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description How to save the planet & our health through food Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Speaker: Henry Dimbleby
Chair: Neil Ward


H?enry Dimbleby, author of the UK government's National Food Strategy has written a book - 'Ravenous - how to get ourselves and our planet into shape'. This is Henry's no-holds-barred take on what we need to do to save the planet and our health through food. Henry will be diving into this with Prof Neil Ward, co-lead of the AFN Network+ and professor at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change at UEA.

Henry covers:
- The politics and sensitivities of 'nanny state' intervention
- What he's learnt from citizen assemblies, on how people feel about government intervention in what they eat
- Dietary change - policy levers and the need for systemic change
- Agricultural policy - how farmers need to be asked to do more, but supported more too

Intended purpose:

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAu3VpDdr3o&t=5s
 
Description Imagine5 interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact "Interviewed guest for Imagine5, a sustainability foundation with global reach that publishes stories about people and organisations doing positive, constructive things for the world and environment.
To feature Professor Bridle, their book and work around food and climate change for Imagine5's High 5 series in which they feature people driving meaningful change, working on innovative solutions or educating and inspiring others to take positive action for the climate. In sharing these stories, Imagine5 celebrates the ways people are making a difference, and believe these stories can inspire others to take action too."
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://imagine5.com/articles/think-eco-friendly-eating-means-giving-up-what-you-love-think-again/
 
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 International Fugitive Emissions Abatement Association workshop on methane from agriculture, London 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Attendance and participation of one of the Co-Leads and Knowledge exchange fellow in the workshop International Fugitive Emissions Abatement Association workshop on methane from agriculture
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description It altered my entire worldview': leading authors pick eight nonfiction books to change your mind 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Sarah Bridle's book Food and Climate Change Without the Hot Air included by Marcus du Sautoy
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jan/07/it-altered-my-entire-worldview-leading-authors-pick-ei...
 
Description Key note speaker for Vale Food Local Food Partnership Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I gave a key note talk, using the AFN Scenario work as part of an exercise to set the scene for the conference activities. I developed some new collaborations and also helped to connect participants up with other colleagues, which has led to new projects.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://foodvale.org/
 
Description LUNZ Hub launch meeting, Leicester 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The PI, two co-Leads and project manager participated and presented in the LUNZ hub launch event, which laid the foundation towards the embedding of EDI principals within the Hub, and the maintenance of synergies between the two endeavours
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Labour Shadow Defra Team workshop, University of York 
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 One of the Co-Leads engaged with the Labour shadow DEFRA team to lend their expertise around the subject of AgriFood
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Land strategy, food & net zero Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Summary of event:
Online webinar:
Speaker: Dustin Benton
Chair: Neil Ward
The UK government has committed to delivering net zero by 2050 - but how on track are we and what needs to change in UK food and farming? Dustin Benton, policy director at Green Alliance, talks us through Chris Skidmore's independent review of government net zero plans, and puts forward his own solutions from the Alliance's latest report 'Shaping UK land use: priorities for food, nature and climate'.

Intended Purpose
- To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
- To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
- To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
- To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
- To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
- To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
- To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx5OONCV1o0
 
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 Manchester Literature Festival 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact In conversation with George Monbiot. Evening event as part of the festival.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/george-monbiot-in-conversation-with-sarah-brid...
 
Description Meeting with Shadow Defra Team 
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 Meeting with Shadow Defra Team involving discussions around AgriFood
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 & Defra Workshop on climate change adaptation and the agri-food system, Bristol 
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 The PI and 3 Co-Leads attended the workshop.
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, 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 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 Nature of Prosperity Dialogue, Center for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The PI was a panel member on the theme, Food in crisis: food justice for a finite planet of which the purpose was to lend her expertise to the exploration around how community level innovations can tackle health, affordability and sustainability in our food systems.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://cusp.ac.uk/themes/prosperity/nop7/
 
Description Neeli Mosque Rochdale Climate & Food workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Guest scientist at workshop as part of project coordinated by Imperial - Our World Our Collective Future: We are the first to feel the effects of climate change and the last capable of addressing it. Workshop looked at solutions with Professor Bridle discussing food and climate for 20 minutesfollowed by an artistic budgeting exercise where half the participants focused on energy planning (Prof David MacKay style) and half on food-carbon budgeting, creating posters of their discoveries.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://twitter.com/rochdale_c/status/1718736557627113945
 
Description Net zero & diet: How psychology and poverty determine choices Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Speaker: Charlotte Hardman
Chair: Neil Ward

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023,2024
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ylk1TWVzNck&t=28s
 
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 Oxford Real Farming Conference panel Chair: The Welsh Policy Perspective on transforming our food system 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Food is a basic need, but seldom a basic policy area. Drawing on agroecology for cohesive national food strategies can provide benefits across all these sectors: supporting public health, environmental sustainability, economic stability, social cohesion, and national security and sovereignty. Local farmers and communities are demonstrating the viability of nature- and climate-friendly small-scale production and supply chains and the positive impact of building relationships back into the
food system. At the national scale, this agroecological approach can contribute to national security by establishing food sovereignty, which emphasises ecologically appropriate and socially equitable production, distribution, and consumption as ways to sustainably and independently meet all citizens' basic need for nutritious food.
I've had a number of people get in touch regarding collaboration on the policy advocacy work.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://orfc.org.uk/
 
Description Oxford Real Farming Conference panel: THE SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND: RECONCILING FARMING AND ACADEMIC RESEARCH 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact While in the field, farmers pioneer and share innovative regenerative practices, research councils continue to pour millions of pounds a year into tech-heavy, top-down solutions to the challenges faced by agriculture. This session will bring together academic researchers, funders and pioneering farmers to discuss how we can work
better together. Through their own experiences of successful participatory research, panellists will explore differences in expectations, timescales and language which pose challenges to collaboration, and discuss what can be done to overcome these. They will then discuss what action is needed for the wider research agenda to recognise and support farmer-led innovation.
I've had a number of participants in the audience get in touch about how to support their ideas with academic research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://orfc.org.uk/
 
Description Oxford Real Farming Conference panel: Why we need to change food retail 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Independent food traders and new routes to market can help us build a more regionalised and resourceefficient food system - one where farmers and local economies get a greater share of profits, and where nature and climate-friendly food is prioritised. This session unpicks why we need alternative ways of distributing and selling food, and how we can support their growth through policy and other measures. We will explore the new business models that are emerging and the challenges and opportunities for independent food retailers and wholesalers in 2024.

As a result of this panel work, I have furthered collaboration with the panel chair, Better Food Traders, and we have a funding proposal in submission.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
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 Presentation to members of the Rural Energy and Environment Agency, Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, UEA. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Delivery of a presentation to members of the Rural Energy and Environment Agency, Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, at UEA
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
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 Retailer supply chains; barriers & opportunities to cutting emissions Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Speaker: Stephen MacKenzie, WRAP

Chair: Neil Ward

The UK has one of the most concentrated groceries retail sectors in the world, with just five supermarkets controlling around 80% of the market. Tackling GHG emissions in these supply chains can therefore have a huge impact. But with thousands of suppliers, fierce competition between retailers, and less-than-perfect measurement tools, how can this actually be achieved? Dr Stephen Mackenzie, a Senior Specialist on the issue of GHGs in food systems at WRAP, digs into this for us.

Dr Mackenzie covers:
- A top-down view on key sources of GHG emissions in UK food systems and trends in recent years
- An overview of membership and principles of the GHG working group under the Courtauld Commitment 2030
- Current barriers to measuring GHGs across supply chains, including on-farm carbon calculation tools, reporting standards, and decision making.
- The Retailer Net Zero CAP - opportunities and challenges of forming such collaborations
- Research gaps to measuring / reducing GHG in supply chains and where our working group members say they need help

Intended purpose:

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoSDIFVq0Q8&t=6s
 
Description Royal Welsh Agricultural Show 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I spoke about the Accessible Veg project with project partners (farmer and charity) on the panel.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://rwas.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/733
 
Description Scenario Mapping workshops 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The Team convened a series of workshops to co-produce a set of plausible scenarios for 2050. Those directly involved in the Network+ were joined at the workshops by around 40 other individuals drawn from a wide range of organisations including; UK universities and research institutes; central government departments and agencies involved in food, health and environment; international development agencies such as the UN; national and local farming groups covering both conventional agriculture and environmentally-progressive production systems; environmental organisations; international commodity trading organisations; the security and diplomatic services; commercial organisations; and international financial services including national banks. Participants contributed as individuals and not as representatives of their organisations. Four 'plausible futures' were developed around how the world could change in terms of geopolitics and stability, markets and social change. They are:

Scenario A: 'Build back fast again' - an unstable and globalised world, where economic growth is key (essentially business-as-usual);
Scenario B: 'Circular worlds' - geopolitically stable and globalised, underpinned by circular sustainable systems and values;
Scenario C: 'Self-sufficiency' - an unstable, regionalised world, where a circular economy is driven by the need to save resources; and
Scenario D: 'The right to food' - a geopolitically stable world, with a globalised economy built on 'green growth'.
The report is being made freely downloadable from the AFN website. It includes illustrations to aid understanding of the scenarios. Printed copies are being circulated to key stakeholders.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PFmdDo4TBnwXcAVWErfvBA42lZv_74et/view
 
Description Scoping Studies Program 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact We administered the call, proposal evaluation and funding allocation process between June and August. Fifteen Scoping Study project proposals were awarded, and contracts are still in the process of being finalised. Three projects are at the £50K level and 13 are at £10k (see Table 1 below). The majority of projects are concerned with supporting agriculture towards more sustainable practices, with some in supply chain and behaviour change. There are some community-based projects based in Kingston upon Thames and Bristol.
The reporting phase for these projects has been designed, with an aim of giving the scoping study project teams the opportunity to share the progress of their research and any difficulties they may have. It will also give us the capacity to create a record of the project progress and facilitate reporting the impact of these projects in future.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.agrifood4netzero.net/2023-funded-scoping-studies.html
 
Description Social Media program 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The Ops team have worked to establish a presence across Twitter ('X') and Linkedin. They use Twitter to support the newsletter and events, by providing news and information about how to engage as well as updates on the day by way of news. Linkedin is also used to provide news to the Network membership and has also been used to provide a digital space for networking and to forge professional relationships being particularly effective for this purpose in the lead up to the crucible.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023,2024
 
Description Speaker in conversation with Charles Watson, Chair of River Action UK 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Speaker in conversation with Charles Watson, Chair of River Action UK: Neil spoke at an agri-food conference organised by New Anglia LEP (21 Feb 2024)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
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 The Crucible 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The Crucible event took place at Bristol City Hall on 21st-22nd June 2023, and was supported by professional facilitators from the Center for Facilitation. The event had several objectives, which included an opportunity for the delegates to further feed into the Network's research priorities, and to build a stronger sense of ownership of the Network to the Community of Practice. Other objectives included providing a sandpit environment to forge strong connections between members of the Network, encourage the development of project proposals between connected members, and ultimately to fund two projects by the end of the event. The ideas were focussed around the four themes chosen by the Network at the Big Tent for this research call:
Enabling behaviour change for net zero through agri-food
Reaching net zero through circular food systems
Measuring progress towards net zero through agri-food
A just transition for net zero through agri-food
The Crucible agenda included 14 sessions which were a combination of networking, idea development, plenaries and proposal-workshopping events. The design of these was aimed at facilitating the objectives above and to further embed the values of inclusivity and fun into the Network. At the end of the Crucible, each team had the opportunity to present a short pitch in order to put themselves forward for a funding award on the day. Three ECR board members were part of the two groups awarded funding for £10K Scoping Studies at the Crucible, with a further nine members involved in projects funded after the event.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
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 UKRI Visit to Fix Our Food 
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 Fix Our Food engagements, projects, in development and outputs for UKRI panel of assessors
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description UKRI/Defra LUNZ Hub workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Attendance of a workshop to discuss and formulate a proposal for LUNZ hub
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Values 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The Executive and Ops team developed a set of 'Network Values' which underpin the objectives of the project and signpost the behavioural expectations of the Network. These also act as a shorthand for communicating the overarching aims of the Network. Currently, these values are used to inform strategic decisions within the Executive and Ops teams. They subsequently inform activity within the rest of the Network leadership including ambassadorial roles.
Our values:
A whole-systems perspective on agri-food and the net zero transition
Independent, non-partisan with scientific credibility
Practical solutions-orientation, with clear and accessible communications
Engaging, fun and with an open and inclusive approach
"WISE" (Whole-systems, Independent, Solutions-oriented, Engaging)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Vegan diet massively cuts environmental damage, study shows 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Neil ward was quoted:
Prof Neil Ward at the University of East Anglia said: "This is a significant set of findings. It scientifically reinforces the point made by the Climate Change Committee and the National Food Strategy over recent years that dietary shifts away from animal-based foods can make a major contribution to reducing the UK's environmental footprint."
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/20/vegan-diet-cuts-environmental-damage-climate-hea...
 
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/
 
Description Wales Real Food and Farming Conference 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact I spoke about the Accessible Veg project. Afterwards, I was approached by a participant who invited me to talk at their launch meeting for the Pembroke Local Food Partnership, which I attended in January. I also met colleagues working on similar themes in the supply chain, who I may collaborate with on expanding the research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://wrffc.wales/
 
Description Westminster Forum Next Steps for Data Transparency in the Food System 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Attendance of Knowledge exchange to conference with the following outcomes:
This conference examined proposals for a more transparent food system following the Government Food Strategy published last year, which announced the launch of the Food Data Transparency Partnership (FDTP).
It was an opportunity to discuss latest developments, next steps and key issues for implementing consistent reporting on environmental sustainability, and voluntary reporting on public health and nutrition, across the food industry.
Delegates discussed priorities for the FDTP and for stakeholders across the supply chain, including issues around metrics, standardisation and data collection, support that may be required, and how data collected can best be used to improve the food system.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/publication/Data-in-Food-23
 
Description Westminster Forum, Priorities for Food Security in the UK 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Knowledge exchange fellow attendance to a conference with the following outcomes/themes
This conference discussed priorities for food security in the UK.
Delegates assessed the way forward for policy, strategy and stakeholder action in order to improve domestic food production and resilience, alongside the maintenance of a robust international food supply.
There was discussion on innovative approaches to underpinning a food-secure future, as well as addressing household food insecurity issues in the context of cost of living challenges.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/publication/Food-Security-23
 
Description What is the cheapest way to cook? Air fryers, microwaves and slow cookers can all save you money over conventional ovens 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Sarah Bridle quoted in the week

Limiting oven use to only "special occasions is the single most impactful thing an individual can do", Sarah Bridle, professor of food, climate and society at York University, told the BBC. The author of Food and Climate Change Without the Hot Air added that ovens are "particularly inefficient" because they're often uninsulated, so "you end up heating the whole kitchen".
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://theweek.com/business/personal-finance/959930/what-is-the-cheapest-way-to-cook
 
Description What next for food and farming at UNFCCC COP? 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Chair: Neil Ward
Speaker: Tim Benton

Intended purpose:

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.

Accompanying briefings;
https://www.agrifood4netzero.net/uploads/1/1/9/5/119571121/what_was_achieved_at_cop28_in_food_and_farming.pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e2IfBN6A0vv9HScY00JTE9shMQJ8wjpF/view
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17FSATBu6bA&t=206s
 
Description Wheat breeding for soil health & GHG reduction, John Innes 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The Knowledge exchange fellow attended an event around the topic of Wheat breeding for soil health & GHG reduction,
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Young farmers and the drive to net zero Webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Speakers: Richard Byrne , Sophie Gregory & Luke Cox
Chair: Neil Ward

Intended purpose:

To provide useful, engaging, and informative KE for the network each month, structured around key topics/ issues relevant to AFN's 6 research themes
To provide the basis for a number of written briefings on these themes
To build up a publicly-available catalogue of such resources (videos & briefings) for the network and more widely
To raise AFN's profile, grow the network, and forge new contacts and relationships
To make the insights and knowledge of people at the top of their game, including latest research, available to the network
To create more KE opportunities between different actors in the UK agri-food system, particularly between academics/ researchers and food system stakeholders such as farmers, and foster a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to net zero in and food system transformation
To provide a structure/focus to KE/research activities that all feed into AFN's end goal
The webinar provided AFN with visibility through an email campaign to the Network+ and more widely on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. The webinar itself provided network members and others with engaging insights from a quality speaker, and sparked debate and KE through a lively Q&A session following the presentation. New members joined the network when signing up for the webinar.
The webinar was uploaded to Youtube where it received further views (counted as part of activity reach), and received further engagement on social media, as well as increasing AFN's visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJoWeN_98X0&t=1261s
 
Description ZOE Podcast: How Your Food Choices Affect the Planet (joinzoe.com) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Sarah Bridle was interviewed
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://greenallianceblog.org.uk/2022/07/26/reaching-net-zero-in-food-and-farming-is-the-next-big-ch...