What kind of food system do we want for the future? The answer depends on who you ask. Over the coming decades we face the huge challenge of transforming the food system for net zero. It’s the challenge that will define this generation, and if we’re not bringing in all the range of perspectives that exist in terms of what is possible, then we’re missing pieces of that puzzle.
The AFN Network+ (UKRI Agri-food for Net Zero Network+) is a unique collaboration between academics, researchers, third sector organisations, policy makers, and agri-food industry professionals, including farmers and retailers. Our key aim is to drive the UK transition towards net zero through agri-food, while benefiting livelihoods, biodiversity, and ecosystems.
Key to our work is identifying the research gaps which need to be addressed, if we’re to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the sector and sequester more carbon. However, the recommendations that we offer to UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) must consider the needs of all people. That’s why inclusivity and diversity have to be central to everything we do, with the aim of fostering equitable outcomes. Building a diverse and inclusive network is one of the things that’s so important to our team; we need that representation because we need to make sure that we’re including as wide a range of perspectives as possible. That’s what it will take to address the challenge of achieving net zero through the food system.
How do we do this? We are seeking out the voices that have previously been excluded from these discussions and we strive to create an environment in which their perspectives are elevated. We have worked hard to create processes that offer open engagement and open source tools that are available for everyone to engage with and give input.
We have a webinar series that regularly attracts 200-350 people to the live event, plus thousands of views on our YouTube channel, and brings a range of deep insights from across the sector, including farmers, scientists, policy analysts, community leaders, retailers, politicians, businesses and health professionals.
We fund projects, with a commitment to a culture of interdisciplinary approaches and a broad spectrum of ideas, to truly transform the agri-food system towards a landscape that remains our cornucopia, is climate considered and one that exists for all. We also hold events in celebration and support of the diversity across our network and the agri-food system. In celebration of Black History Month this October, we held a virtual event exploring the intersection of food justice, climate resilience, and cultural sustainability. The design of this event was to ensure diverse representation across the agri-food landscape, and to speak to matters of inclusivity.
Over the next year the Network will be developing a roadmap which will shed light on the research priorities and policy measures which need to be focused on in the UK as we progress towards 2050 and the goal of net zero. The work builds upon the 2050 future scenarios which were developed in 2023 and explored four plausible futures for how the world might look in 2050, and what sort of UK agri-food system might exist as a result.
We cannot assume the future will be business-as-usual. Geopolitics are shifting. There are questions about trade arrangements, supply chain vulnerabilities and national food security. Furthermore, the effects of climate change on how the agri-food system functions are likely to be much more strongly felt.
Predictions on how the food system is going to look in the future and what needs to change require a careful consideration of all the interconnections between different aspects of society and the environment. That’s why we’re developing an interactive tool to explore the impact that changing various environmental and land use factors will have on the food system. Developing this model will help us visualise the impact that different interventions will have, and the trade-offs they require. Change is never easy, but ensuring diverse perspectives are included is vital to effective convergence.
We call upon you all to continue to work to build diversity within the Agri-food for Net Zero Network+ Community of Practice. Diversity is really important; everyone in the room should feel comfortable being in that space and it means that we can bring more ideas to the table and more understanding of the challenges. We experience these challenges differently, so if you’re out there and these are issues that are important to you – food, climate change and biodiversity and finding pathways forward to reconcile these different challenges – then we want you to be a part of our Community of Practice.
Please come and speak to us at the Wales Real Food and Farming Conference, and join us for regular updates on our work, events and opportunities, to meet new colleagues and to forge new collaborations.
Follow us on X (Twitter) | Follow us on LinkedIn
CGFFfC - WRFFC 