Sustainable Farming and Food

Research from farming to food and diets.

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.

  • SPRINT Plenary Meeting

    SPRINT Plenary Meeting

    Jane Mills and Charlotte Chivers had a productive meeting for the EU-funded SPRINT project in Aveiro, Portugal during September

    Read more

  • DEFRA Research Development and Evidence Framework Research (2021-2024)

    DEFRA Research Development and Evidence Framework Research (2021-2024)

    The CCRI are currently involved in an on-going series of themed research projects under the DEFRA Research and Experimental Development (R&D) Framework.

    Read more

  • Farming in Protected Landscapes Evaluation 

    Farming in Protected Landscapes Evaluation 

    This Defra funded project aims to evaluate the Farming in Protected Landscape programme (FiPL) in England’s 34 AONBs and 10 National Parks, in order to feed into programme design and implementation throughout the funded period (2021 – 2024) and inform future policy and practice.

    Read more