Sustain part of suite of new projects to drive net zero agri-food innovation

In celebration of World Food Day, the UKRI Agri-food for Net Zero Network+ (AFN Network+) has announced 15 new projects to support the UK’s agri-food sector in its transition to a net zero economy by 2050. The funding aims to drive innovative research and collaborations to address the climate and nature challenges posed by food production, which accounts for roughly one third of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustain is proud to partner on a project led by Lídia Cabral at the Institute of Development Studies and Food Equity Centre. The collaboration will explore whether and how ‘agricultural wilding’ can offer solutions that combine nature recovery, decent livelihoods and food security, while respecting ways of life.

Agricultural wilding is a practice which maintains and creates wild productive systems composed of wild crops and plants, some of which have been lost to commercial agriculture and other land clearing practices. It seeks to restore biodiversity and nature recovery in landscapes that also produce food.

Lily O'Mara-Adembesa, Local Action Officer at Sustain said:

"We are delighted to be part of this amazing cohort of innovative research projects and to be working with Dr Cabral and Institute of Development Studies. We urgently need to explore just, equitable routes for farmers to transition from intensive and high-emissions farming systems to agroecology"

If you would like to find put more about the project, including how to get involved, please email Sustain, addressing your email to Lily O'Mara-Adembesa.