Why food policy matters and what we're doing at the University of Nottingham

We've just launched a new Centre for Food Policy and Foresight to drive innovative policy solutions for our food system challenges. Our Director at the Food Systems Institute, explains in this fantastic piece why University of Nottingham experts are best placed to do this work. Find out about our new Centre.

Introduction

In a world where food production and consumption are intrinsically linked to major global issues, the importance of food policy research cannot be overstated. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) the hidden environmental, social and health costs of agrifood systems were well over $10 trillion globally in 2020. The University of Nottingham stands at the forefront of this critical field, working to address challenges that affect us all, from local communities to the international stage.

The Big Challenges: Food Production and Consumption

Food systems are at the heart of some of the most pressing issues of our time. The ways we produce and consume food exacerbate climate change, food insecurity, and public health crises.

• Climate Change: Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Food production is also one of the sectors most directly impacted by climate change. The need to accelerate innovations in sustainable farming practices is urgent.
• Food Insecurity: Despite global advancements, hundreds of millions still face hunger and malnutrition. Food distribution inequalities and the impact of climate change on crop yields intensify this problem.
• Public Health: Diet-related diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are on the rise. The quality of food available and dietary habits play a significant role in these health issues.

The Complexity of the Challenges

Addressing these challenges is not straightforward. They are interlinked, creating a web of complexity that requires multifaceted solutions.

• Interconnected Systems: Changes in one aspect of the food system can have ripple effects throughout. For example, adopting more sustainable farming practices may impact productivity, food prices, and availability with repercussions on nutrition and indirect land-use change.
• Economic and Social Factors: Policies must consider the economic implications for farmers, consumers, and businesses, as well as social factors like cultural dietary preferences and food accessibility.
• Environmental Sustainability: Solutions must balance the immediate need for food with the long-term health of the planet, requiring a nuanced understanding of ecosystems and resource management.

Why Policy is Necessary

Effective policies are crucial for driving the systemic changes needed to tackle these complex issues. Policies provide a framework for coordinated action and create incentives for sustainable practices.

• Regulation and Standards: Policies can enforce standards for sustainable farming, food safety, and nutritional quality.
• Incentives for Change: Through subsidies, grants, and tax incentives, policies can encourage farmers and companies to adopt more sustainable and health-conscious practices.
• Public Awareness and Education: Policies can support programs that educate the public about healthy eating and sustainable practices, fostering a culture of informed consumption.

The Need for Research to Inform Policy

Given the complexity and scale of these challenges, evidence-based policymaking is essential. Research provides the data and insights needed to craft effective policies that address the root causes of food-related issues.

• Systems Perspective: Research at the University of Nottingham strives to take a holistic approach, examining the food system as a whole rather than in isolated parts. This perspective is crucial for understanding the interdependencies and potential unintended consequences of policy decisions.
• Innovative Solutions: Researchers develop and test innovative solutions that can be scaled up through policy. For instance, advancements in sustainable agriculture techniques or new models for food distribution can inform national and international policies.
• Data-Driven Decisions: High-quality research provides the empirical data needed to justify policy changes and measure their impact over time. This helps ensure that policies are not only well-intentioned but also practical.

University of Nottingham's Role

The University of Nottingham is uniquely positioned to lead in this area, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. The establishment of the Food Systems Institute last year and the new Centre for Food Policy and Foresight exemplify this commitment.

• Food Systems Institute: This institute brings together experts from various fields, fostering interdisciplinary research to develop comprehensive solutions to food system challenges. It serves as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation, connecting research across the university’s global campuses, and driving forward the university's mission to create sustainable food systems.
• Centre for Food Policy and Foresight: This newly established centre brings together approximately 50 researchers from across the university. It aims to tackle food-related challenges through a systems lens, focusing on foresight to anticipate future trends and policy needs. The centre's work is pivotal in shaping policies that are proactive rather than reactive, ensuring long-term sustainability and food security.
• Diverse Expertise: The university brings together experts from fields such as agriculture, economics, public health, and environmental science. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the research and leads to more comprehensive solutions.
• Global Collaborations: By partnering with international organizations and other universities, the University of Nottingham ensures that its research is globally relevant and can contribute to worldwide policy discussions.
• Local Impact: The university’s commitment to local communities ensures that research is grounded in real-world challenges and directly benefits the surrounding region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the challenges posed by our current food systems are vast and complex, affecting every level of society from local communities to global populations. Effective food policy is essential for addressing these challenges, and such policy must be informed by rigorous, systems-focused research. The University of Nottingham is at the cutting edge of this critical work, driving forward the knowledge and innovations needed to create a more sustainable, equitable, and healthy food system for all.

By focusing on comprehensive research and collaborative efforts, the University of Nottingham not only contributes to solving immediate problems but also paves the way for long-term, scalable solutions that can be adopted worldwide. In this way, food policy research at the University of Nottingham is not just important—it is indispensable for meeting the local, national, and global food challenges of our time.

Professor Paul Wilson, a renowned researcher and incoming president of the Society of Agricultural Economists, will lead the new centre.