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Newsletter: January 2025
Welcome to the first Exeter Food Research Network newsletter of 2025!
Have you recently published food-related work, completed a project, or received a grant? Are you planning an event or know of relevant opportunities or resources?
Please email us at Exeter Food or follow us on LinkedIn tag us in your posts for resharing!
Contents:
NEWS | EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | RESOURCES
NEWS
Gender and Wages in Agricultural Labour: New Insights
This study published in the Agricultural History Review (Vol. 72, Part 2, 2024) by Exeter Food member Jane Whittle and Li Jiang examines gender and wages in English agricultural labour (c.1480–1680) using a dataset of over 20,000 workdays from rural gentry wage accounts. Women contributed 29.3% of recorded work, mostly in seasonal tasks like weeding, haymaking, and grain harvesting.
While women often earned the same daily wages as men for identical tasks, they had fewer work opportunities, leading to a gender pay gap of 38.5% for day wages and a much larger disparity in annual earnings. Women’s participation in agricultural wage labour declined over time. You can read the full article on the Agricultural History Review website. Congratulations Jane!
Pioneering Planetary Health Framework for School Food
Congratulations to Exeter Food members Fatma Sabet and Steffen Boehm, who have published a report on their research into a planetary health framework for school food. This innovative approach combines health and sustainability to transform school meal systems.
Key findings include:
- Integrating education and meals: Experiential food education, such as cooking lessons and farm visits, fosters healthy, eco-conscious habits. Watch Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall explain.
- Sustainability focus: Scratch cooking, local sourcing, and plant-based meals are vital. See Miki, a catering lead, in action.
- Ethical leadership: Supporting local producers and catering teams reduces reliance on corporations.
The publication is available in full here Study Link
Devon Food Insecurity Briefing: Tackling the Crisis Together
The Devon Food Insecurity Briefing, held at the University of Exeter, brought together key organisations and individuals addressing the growing food poverty crisis. Attendees included local councillors, NHS leaders, public health directors, and researchers, with speakers from Citizens Advice Devon, Devon Community Foundation, Devon County Council, and the Trussell Trust.
Updates revealed a record 254,974 emergency food parcels were distributed by Trussell food banks in the South West in 2023/24—an 84% increase over five years. Citizens Advice data showed 80,000 Devon residents live on a negative income, unable to meet essential costs. Speakers stressed that current measures, like the Household Support Fund, are short-term fixes, leaving vital services facing funding uncertainties.
There is more information in this press release and about the Devon Community Foundation's work tackling food and fuel poverty.
Giulia Nicolini Awarded Wenner-Gren Grant for Research
Exeter Food member Giulia Nicolini has been awarded a Dissertation Fieldwork Grant by the Wenner-Gren Foundation, for her project on 'Shaping seaweed as a food in southwest England'. Her research explores how demand and taste for seaweed are changing in the South West. It uses cultural intermediaries like chefs or marketers as a way to study how production and consumption influence each other. It also examines how human-caused environmental changes affect these shifts, shaping seaweed both as a material product and as a symbol of a specific kind of "food." Congratulations Giulia! Please contact her if you would like to hear more gn290@exeter.ac.uk
EVENTS
Second Exeter Food Network Mezze Seminar
Thursday 13th February 9:45-11:15 online via TEAMS
You are warmly invited to attend this Exeter Food Mezze Seminar. Mezze Seminar's are designed to allow us to familiarise ourselves with the work of colleagues across the university with shared interests in food, to offer them valuable commentary, and to generate ideas for future collaborations. The speakers and topics appear below and there’s more information on the Exeter Food website. Presentations will be short, followed by discussion time.
- Dr Marc-William Palen, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology and History- Pax Economica: Left-Wing Visions of a Free Trade World
- Ellen Williamson, PhD Researcher on Food, Nutrition and Health in Public Health and Sport Sciences- Considering the contribution of microalgae in human nutrition
- Dr Tomas Chaigneau, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Social Sciences, Environment and Sustainability Institute- The role of inequalities and difference for sustainable fisheries
- Dr Daniel Derbyshire, Research Fellow in Public Health Economics- An economic analysis of the impacts of local authority takeaway management zones around schools in England
Exeter Food Research Network Seminar Professor Alan Kelly- Is there a problem with food processing?
Tuesday, 4th March 16:00-17:30 in Lecture Theatre One, The Queen's Building, Streatham Campus, University of Exeter, and online via MSTeams.
Exeter Food is pleased to host Professor Alan Kelly, Professor of Food Science and Head of the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences at the University College, Cork. Explore the history, goals, and controversies surrounding food processing, including its role in food safety and public perception. Professor Kelly will delve into the ancient origins of food processing, using dairy products as a case study, and discuss strategies to improve public understanding of food science. Please register to attend to via this form.
The event is open to students and staff— please help spread the word!
Centre for Rural Policy Research Seminar Series
The CRPR are pleased to invite you to their upcoming seminar series:
29th January 10:45-12:15 –Byrne House Seminar Room or online via Teams
Andy Gray - Farm Wilder - Food and Farming; how did we get here and where are we going? The personal experiences of a recipient/victim of rural policy.
19th February 10:45-12:15- Byrne House
Seminar Room or online via Teams
Elise Wach – Just Common Ground?
12th March 10:45-12:15- Byrne House Seminar Room or online via Teams
Carol Morris & Catherine Price - UK farmer framings of biochar and the challenges of governing land-based greenhouse gas removal
2nd April 10:45-12:15- Byrne House Seminar Room or online via Teams
Corinna Howland - “Because of one of us, we all lose”: ethical contingency among Peruvian quinoa growers
For more information, please use the links above or contact CRPR@Exeter.ac.uk
BioActivEx Research Team Event: Meal Delivery for Older Adults
Join the BioActivEx Research Team at the University of Exeter on Thursday, 6th February, 9:00–13:30 at Upper Lounge, Reed Hall, Streatham Campus, or online via MS Teams. Speakers will present findings on meal delivery services for older adults, followed by a discussion on food security and nutrition with experts from Devon Public Health, Feeding Britain, and Dartmoor Community Kitchen Hub.
Speakers include Prof. Jo Bowtell, Dr. Lauren Struszczak, Prof. Mary Hickson, and Dr. Irene McClelland from the University of Plymouth.
Please register to attend to via this form. For enquiries, email MealsOnWheels-Event@exeter.ac.uk.
Rootstock: Devon’s Future Farming Conference
Thursday 6th February, Westpoint Arena, Exeter
Rootstock is a one-day conference for farmers in the South West, focused on building resilient, profitable, and regenerative farming systems.
UK agriculture faces growing uncertainties—climate change, volatile markets, and shifting subsidies demand new strategies for long- and short-term success. Rootstock will explore innovative, practical solutions, including regenerative farming practices that harness a deeper understanding of soils and closer connections with customers.
Sessions will combine science-based insights and real-world experience, featuring expert scientists and practical farmers who will inform, challenge, and discuss current trends and developments. Tickets are available from the Rootstock website.
Serving the Public: Book Launch Panel Discussion
Thursday 6th February at 10:30 AM EST
Join the UNESCO Chair on Food Biodiversity and Sustainability Studies for an online panel discussion to celebrate the launch of Kevin Morgan's new book, Serving the Public: The Good Food Revolution in Schools, Hospitals, and Prisons.
The event features Kevin Morgan, Moe Garahan, and Joshna Maharaj, moderated by Alison Blay-Palmer. Visit the website for information and you register via Zoom.
Serving the Public is available through Manchester University Press.
Cornwall Food and Farming Group Conference: Food Security and Resilience
Join the Cornwall Food and Farming Group on Thursday 27th February at The Pavilion, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge for a critical conference on Food Security: Resilience in a Changing World. With UK food production under 60% and harvests heavily impacted by extreme weather, rising input costs, and global supply chain risks, this event explores challenges and solutions for Cornwall’s food systems. Key speakers include:
- Prof. Tim Lang, leading expert in food policy.
- Dr. Pete Falloon, specialist in climate-resilient systems.
- Harriet Bell, regenerative farming lead at Riverford.
- Jayne Kirkham MP, DEFRA Select Committee member.
Tickets (£15 + Eventbrite fee, incl. refreshments & buffet lunch) are available on EventBrite.
For more information, contact Ashley Wood at ashley@cornwallfoodandfarming.org
Baking & Crafting with Exeter Seed Bank
Friday, 28 February from 11am–2pm at Love Food CIC, St Thomas, Exeter EX4 1JFCalling all University of Exeter students! Join the Exeter Seed Bank for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to create delicious vegan bakes and craft eco-friendly bunting from recycled materials. This fun and creative session supports Exeter Seed Bank’s upcoming annual Seed Swap event. Ingredients and materials are included, but spaces are limited— so please reserve your space here.
OPPORTUNITIES
Exeter Food is keen to support members in the development of research proposals. If you have an idea that you would like to explore in a “sandpit” with colleagues and potential partners, or a draft proposal on which you would like feedback from colleagues, please contact the network lead, Harry G West.
Fairness in the Food Supply Chain Inquiry: Submit Your Evidence
The UK Parliament's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is calling for evidence for its inquiry into fairness in the food supply chain. The inquiry seeks to address critical issues such as food security, domestic production and access to affordable, healthy food amid challenges like extreme weather and climate change.
The Committee aims to scrutinise structural relationships in the supply chain, labour shortages, food prices, trade agreements, and animal welfare standards, among other topics. Stakeholders, including producers, manufacturers, and retailers, are encouraged to share their insights. Submissions will help shape policies promoting fairness and transparency. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 24th January. For guidance and submission details, visit the Parliament website and for guidance on working with a select committee, see this support document developed by the Exeter Innovation Policy team.
Call for Papers: Amsterdam Symposium on the History of Food
The 8th Amsterdam Symposium on the History of Food will take place on 5–6th June at the Allard Pierson, University of Amsterdam, during the city’s 750th anniversary celebrations. This year’s theme, Food and the City, explores the dynamic interplay between urban environments and food history.
Submit your paper proposal by the extended deadline of 26th January to join this event, which will feature keynotes, presentations, and discussions. Online and in-person participation is available. For submission guidelines and details, visit the Allard Pierson website or email Foodhistory-ub@uva.nl
Diet and Health OIRC 2025 Funding Opportunities
The Diet and Health Open Innovation and Research Club (OIRC), funded by BBSRC, has announced its 2025 Open Funding Calls. These calls support innovative diet and health projects that foster collaboration and actionable research.
Discover more about the funding opportunities by joining the OIRC free webinar on Tuesday 18th February, from 2-4:30 pm. Please register here.
Exeter researchers have already had some success in working with OIRC hubs, and we look forward to sharing more about new developments planned for 2025.
New Research on Cultivated Meat: Call for Contributions
A new parliamentary research project is exploring the opportunities and challenges of cultivated meat production, with a report expected in May 2025.
Cultivated meat, grown from animal cells in nutrient-rich solutions, is already approved for consumption in Singapore, the USA, and Israel. The UK approved its use in pet food in July 2024. Promising as a sustainable, protein-rich alternative, it faces challenges like cost, scalability, regulation, and public perception.
The POSTnote will assess environmental, social, nutritional, and economic impacts and stakeholder views. Contributions are welcome until 21st February. To contribute or find out more visit the project page.
Call for Papers: Transformations of Foodways – Coloniality, Resistance, and Resurgence
The Journal of Agrarian Change invites contributions for a Special Issue on the transformation of foodways. This issue explores the impacts of colonialism and globalisation on traditional food systems, strategies of resistance and reclamation by indigenous and peasant communities, and the commercial potential of traditional foods within globalised markets.
Key themes include:
- Disruptions to foodways by colonialisms and global trade.
- Strategies to defend and reclaim food sovereignty and traditional knowledge.
- Tensions between commercialisation and cultural preservation of traditional foods.
For more information on the aims and scope of the Journal of Agrarian Change, please visit https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14710366 and contact Nina Moeller (ninam@sdu.dk), Jessica Milgroom (fs2mimij@uco.es), or Lopa Saxena (lopa.saxena@coventry.ac.uk) for details. The deadline for submission of abstracts (250–350 words) is 3rd March and papers (7,000–12,000 words) due by 16th June
Explore the Impact of Food Tracking on Dietary Behaviours
Are you interested in how tracking your food intake could influence your dietary choices? Exeter Food members Professors Natalia Lawrence and Cassandra Lowe invite you to participate in their study examining the effects of food tracking using AI-assisted apps or 24-hour dietary recalls.
Participants will complete a 30-minute online questionnaire on eating behaviours and emotional well-being, along with two brief cognitive tasks. You’ll then join a food-tracking group and attend a 30-minute introductory session, including a complimentary lunch, to practice your assigned method. For more details and to sign up see here or contact Natalia.Lawrence@exeter.ac.uk or c.lowe4@exeter.ac.uk
Help Restore Historic Poltimore House
Poltimore House Trust is seeking volunteers and partners to help restore the 16th–19th century mansion just outside Exeter. Despite a devastating arson attack in April 2024, the charity remains dedicated to revitalising the House and its 13 acres of grounds for community use. You can also support them by visiting their Café, open every weekend and select weekdays. Learn more at www.poltimore.org or contact the Trust’s Chair, Dr. Peter Totterdill, at peter.totterdill@poltimore.org
Help Reduce Food Waste in Torquay and Exeter
Researchers at the University of Exeter are investigating food-sharing initiatives in Torquay and Exeter. The project aims to assess community readiness, existing food-sharing practices, and attitudes toward reducing food waste.
You are invited to participate by completing a short survey. Your input will help shape solutions to reduce food waste and support local food-sharing efforts. As a thank-you, you can enter a draw to win one of five £25 gift cards. Thank you for helping make a difference.
Share Your Experience of School Food for a New Exhibition
The Food Museum is creating an exhibition on School Dinners and is seeking public responses from individuals who have grown up and experienced school food outside the UK. They are particularly interested in stories from: Africa, The Caribbean Islands, Greenland, South Asia, China, Japan and Canada. For more information or to share your story, please contact Katherine at katherine@foodmuseum.org.uk.
RESOURCES
Recording available for Michael Caines MBE- Transforming the Menu talk
Thank you to everyone that attended the Exeter Food Research Network public lecture with Michael Caines on Tuesday 26th November 2024.
In his talk, chef Michael Caines addressed critical challenges in today’s food system, including biodiversity loss and food waste. Drawing on his extensive culinary experience, he emphasised the importance of diversifying and rebalancing our diets by understanding local food sources, utilising seasonal ingredients, and reintroducing neglected foods into contemporary cuisine. Caines advocates for a more sustainable and secure food system through these approaches, highlighting the rich culinary potential of Southwest England. Recording now available from the Exeter Food SharePoint site.
British Nutrition Foundation Annual Conference: Health in Balance
The British Nutrition Foundation’s Annual Conference, Health in Balance: Innovations in Nutrition for Combating Obesity, Diet-Related Ill Health, and Health Disparities, took place on Thursday, 12th November.
Chaired by Prof. Giles Yeo (University of Cambridge), the event explored how innovations can transform the food system and improve public health while addressing inequalities. Highlights included the Annual Lecture by Prof. Sir Michael Marmot, winner of the 2023 BNF Prize.
The conference recording is now available on demand. Watch it here: LIVESTREAM - Annual Lecture | British Nutrition Foundation.
Ed Miliband Outlines Cross-Sectoral Land Use Framework
Since the government's 2022 commitment to a Land Use Framework, its publication has faced delays, most recently due to the change in administration. However, broad cross-party support remains for its implementation, especially as Labour pursues ambitious goals in housing, energy, and environmental restoration.
In a positive step, Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, confirmed in the Commons that the upcoming framework will address multiple sectors. He emphasised the importance of balancing food security, renewable energy, nature restoration, and farming.
Pilots like the Food Farming Countryside Commission (FFCC)'s Multifunctional Land Use Framework in Devon and Cambridgeshire have demonstrated how integrating local knowledge and cross-sector collaboration can break down siloes between housing, farming, and energy.
The FFCC is now gathering perspectives from local authorities and stakeholders to inform best practices, eagerly anticipating the government’s green paper and consultation later this year. Visit the FFCC website for more information.
Exeter Food is coordinated by Professor Harry West
Please email us to submit items for future newsletters. To find out more about our work, please get in touch with us.
