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Sustainable and resilient food systems
Food supplies are threatened by extreme weather, diminishing water supplies and geopolitical instability, such as the war in Ukraine. Our work aims to investigate the various vulnerabilities that is facing our food system and how to adapt solutions that are environmentally friendly, and people focused.
Our researchers answer the following question, using expertise and facilities within the University and beyond: How can we make our food system less fragile and more resilient?
In 2025, our food systems globally feed 8.2 billion people. A hundred years ago this was less than 2 billion people. This is an amazing feat of human science and technology. However, this progress and productivity has had a detrimental impact on our environment. These impacts are seen through high greenhouse gas emissions, reduced soil health and biodiversity, and high freshwater usage. Therefore, the challenge for the next hundred years will be to adapt our current food systems and regenerate these natural ecosystems, making our food systems more sustainable and resilient.
Using advanced technologies to better understand soil structures so we can improve our agricultural practices
Making underutilised and overlooked crops part of mainstream diets
Understanding plant features to better feed our planet
Developing a better understanding of how soil and roots interact with each other
How can we develop crops and livestocks that are resilient to climate change?
Informing pet food manufacturers to choose nutrient sufficient and climate-friendly alternatives
Encouraging sustainable diets and reducing environmental impact of food requires uncovering public perceptions
Improving communication of, and responses to emerging disease outbreaks in Europe