Marks and Spencer Knowledge Exchange Fellowship

Lead Research Organisation: University of Leeds
Department Name: School of Earth and Environment

Abstract

The productivity of our global food system is threatened by environmental degradation, resource scarcity and climate change. At the same time the demand on the system is increasing due to a growing global population and increasing consumption. Sir John Beddington calls this a 'perfect storm' of challenges that must be addressed if our food system is to become sustainable. Business has a key role to play in meeting these challenges through minimising waste, helping to balance supply and demand, and contributing to better governance of the global food system (Foresight, 2011). Plan A makes M&S uniquely placed to become a leader and model for business engagement with and contribution to these issues. The KE Fellowship is a key step in that process, by facilitating the integration of science and business for the development of a more sustainable food system.
The aim of the fellowship is to be a knowledge broker that facilitates and filters between NERC and M&S to maximise the uptake of NERC funded environmental science research relevant to business, and to promote mutually beneficial new KE and research projects through the development of a responsive partnership.
 
Description This work has reviewed and communicated environmental science research on sustainable agriculture, including pollinators, anaerobic digestion, farmer engagement and fertilisers, to Marks and Spencer to help them make better use of scientific knowledge in their decision making.
Exploitation Route The findings have been specific to the needs of Marks and Spencer. However, reflection on knowledge exchange processes with the agri-food sector will lead to outcomes that could be of use to researchers in the environmental sciences.
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

Environment

 
Description A pollinators briefing document has been used by Marks and Spencer to decide not to pursue a pollinators action plan at this time and instead work with RSPB and their indicator farms to understand best practice. Briefing documents on anaerobic digestion have been used to develop a code of practice to guide suppliers on the use of AD on farms. Work with another KE fellow has been used to produce a briefing note on enabling environmental action by farmers, published on the NERC website.
First Year Of Impact 2014
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment
Impact Types Societal

Economic