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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Evaluating the effectiveness of AB9 Winter Bird Food in Countryside Stewardship
This project focuses on improving our understanding of the effectiveness of the winter bird food option (AB9) under the Countryside Stewardship scheme.
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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.
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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.