The global demand for food will continue to increase. However, the implications for biodiversity, preserving terrestrial ecosystems and climate change (agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions while also being impacted by climate change) need to be considered. At the same time, consumers want more transparency, traceability, and quality in their foods, with an increased demand for sustainable foods and diets. The Sustainable Farming and Food cluster undertakes research from farm to fork.
Areas of research
- Food system transformation
- Adaptation of farming and food systems in response to climate change and its impacts
- Achieving net-zero in agriculture and food
- Agricultural and food system policy analysis (e.g. agri-environmental schemes)
- Soil ecosystem services
- New agri-food actors, e.g. venture capitals, entrepreneurs, new entrant farmers
- Re-localising food production consumption and access to food
- Sustainable transitions and socio-technical systems (agroecology, regenerative farming, circular agriculture, digital farming)
- Sustainable innovation, innovation systems, knowledge and learning (farmer / grower-led)
- Participatory methods and visioning for sustainable food futures
Sustainable Development Goals
Set by the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.
- GOAL 2: Zero Hunger
- GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- GOAL 13: Climate Action
Related research projects
View current research projects related to Sustainable Farming and Food cluster.
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Rethinking perennial biomass crops implementation in farmed landscapes: designing opportunities for integration into the farming system
Funded by the BBSRC, this project explores how perennial biomass crops could be more effectively and sustainably integrated into farming systems in the UK as part of the transition to […]
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Towards Resilient Industrial Socio-Metabolic Relations (TRI-SOME CHICKEN)
TRI-SOME CHICKEN is an interdisciplinary research project exploring how resilience in the UK food system can be strengthened in the face of growing environmental, economic and social pressures.
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FoodCop: Food Systems Transformation Startup Villages Bioeconomy Community of Practice
researchers are collaborating with partners from nine European countries on an international project to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability within rural communities.