UoG Is Leading New Research to Help County’s Farming and Food Sectors Reach Net Zero
University of Gloucestershire is working with public sector partners and the farming industry to identify and implement actions which can support positive changes to what we eat and how we farm in the county, to help the UK meet its net zero targets.
Led by the University, the new Gloucestershire Food and Farming for Net Zero (Integrating Local Climate Policies) project has been awarded £30,000 in funding by UK Research and Innovation to support the UK’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Experts from the University’s Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) will work with the Gloucestershire Food and Farming Partnership and Climate Leadership Gloucestershire on the initiative, which will identify actions to support change in the production and consumption of healthy and affordable food within the county.
With agriculture accounting for around 12% of greenhouse gases in the UK, the project will recommend food and farming related actions which will help tackle the climate emergency and deliver additional benefits for nature, health and wellbeing, and the economy.
The University’s Dr Aimee Morse, who is leading the project, said: “Changes in how we farm and what we eat are needed to meet the UK’s net zero targets, but this transition must continue to support jobs in the food and farming sector, and ensure people can access healthy, affordable food.
“This transition will require people working across economic, environmental, health and social issues to collaboratively develop and implement integrated policy frameworks to support changes in our production and consumption of food.
“Our new project will build on the strength of food and farming expertise, as well as our strength in collaboration.
“It brings together a range of organisations to identify actions that local councils and their partners can take that will support positive changes in the food and farming industry, and people’s health and wellbeing, whilst ensuring the most efficient use of public money.”
The Gloucestershire Food and Farming Partnership combines local expertise and funding to tackle environmental, health and social challenges, while also benefiting farmers’ livelihoods and resilience, and contributing to the local economy.
Dr Benjamin Dent, from the Partnership, said: “Everyone involved in food and farming has the potential to contribute to solving the challenges of climate change, nature recovery, healthy diets and food security.
“We need to look at these priorities together, not in isolation, because they are all interconnected. This project will enable councils and others to find more joined-up solutions.”
Climate Leadership Gloucestershire comprises Gloucestershire County Council, the county’s six district councils, the NHS, police, the county’s universities and Gloucestershire Local Nature Partnership.
Cllr Mike McKeown, chair of Climate Leadership Gloucestershire, said, “Food, farming, and agriculture are vital not only to our economy but also to the environment, particularly in Gloucestershire, where these sectors hold the unique potential to absorb carbon.
“By collectively addressing the challenges and opportunities, we can drive positive, locally relevant, and sustainable changes that contribute to reaching net zero. For example, regenerative agriculture will be a key part of this transformation, helping to restore ecosystems while enhancing resilience to climate change.”
The project will report in May 2025.
