New research into the delivery of local food and farming action plans

A team from the Countryside and Community Research Institute have won funding from the UK Research and Innovation’s Agri-Food Net Zero Network+ to work with Gloucestershire councils, in a project which will examine locally-relevant actions which can support the agri-food sector’s transition to net zero.  

Dr Aimee Morse, the project leader, said, “This transition will require people working across economic, environmental, health and social issues to collaboratively develop and implement integrated policy frameworks which support changes in our production and consumption of food. Working with our local councils, we will chart new pathways for action in this innovative project.” 

Aimee continued, “Our approach will build on the strength of food and farming expertise and collaboration in our county. We look forward to working with local councils and their partners to identify actions which will support positive changes in the food and farming industry, and to people’s health and wellbeing, whilst also ensuring the most efficient use of public money.” 

The Gloucestershire Food and Farming for Net Zero (Integrating Local Climate Policies) project will include Gloucestershire Food and Farming Partnership and Climate Leadership Gloucestershire as partners. 

Dr Benjamin Dent from the Gloucestershire Food and Farming Partnership added, “Everyone involved in food and farming has the potential to contribute to solving the challenges of climate change, nature recovery, healthy diets and food security.  We need to look at these priorities together, not isolation, because they are all interconnected.  This project will enable councils and others to find more joined-up solutions.”  

Cllr Mike McKeown, chair of Climate Leadership Gloucestershire, said, “Food, farming, and agriculture are vital not only to our economy but also to the environment, particularly in Gloucestershire, where these sectors hold the unique potential to absorb carbon. By collectively addressing the challenges and opportunities, we can drive positive, locally-relevant, and sustainable changes that contribute to reaching net zero. For example, regenerative agriculture will be a key part of this transformation, helping to restore ecosystems while enhancing resilience to climate change.” 

The project starts in October and will report in May next year. For more information about the project, please contact Aimee Morse