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Why are sustainable agri-food systems important?

This cross-disciplinary research group works across fields and University research centres, towards a common purpose – more sustainable food systems. The group brings together natural scientists, economists, social scientists, on-farm ecologists, livestock and crop production specialists, and experts working in the wider food chain.

Our multidisciplinary research investigates contemporary challenges and opportunities in the food chain, from innovative and regenerative agriculture, to resilient food supply chains, and sustainable consumption.

Example areas of research include: on-farm nature-based solutions to climate resilience; management of food excess supply and food waste minimisation; and lifecycle assessments of social, environmental and economic impacts of food production, supply and trade.  The cross-cutting research enables us to address the behavioural changes needed for a transformation towards a more agroecological approach as defined by the FAO: “an… integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agriculture and food systems. It seeks to optimize the interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment while also addressing the need for socially equitable food systems within which people can exercise choice over what they eat and how and where it is produced.”