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Newsletter: June 2024
Welcome to the latest edition of the Exeter Food Research Network newsletter.
Have you recently published work on a food-related theme, completed a project, or been awarded a grant? Are you planning an event that colleagues should know about, or have you heard of such events elsewhere? Are you aware of opportunities or resources that might be of interest to other network members? Please email Exeter Food.
Contents:
NEWS | EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | RESOURCES
NEWS
New publication- Farming in the shadow of violent organisations: understanding farmers’ relational place‑making in socio‑ecological crises
This paper by Exeter Food member Stefano Pascucci looks into how farmers in Naples and Caserta, Italy, respond to environmental crimes committed by the Camorra Mafia, affect their communities. Despite challenges in collective mobilisation, a subset of farmers has reacted to issues like land exploitation and illegal dumping. Investigating the waste crisis in the "Land of Fires," the study highlights farmers' varied responses to organised violence and environmental crime, shaping unique place-based narratives and practices within this context. The study was presented in its early version at an Exeter Food pechakucha event last year and the full report is available from ResearchGate.
EVENTS
Exeter Food Network Penryn Food Showcase- last chance to register!
Tuesday 25th June 10:00-15:00 at the Penryn Campus, Daphne Du Maurier Lecture Theatre B
The event will bring together University of Exeter researchers from our Cornwall and Devon campuses, stakeholders, students, and interested members of the public. It’s a showcase of food research conducted by colleagues in Penryn. A lunch, featuring foods from Cornwall, will be served and transportation by coach will be provided from the Streatham Campus.
For more information about the programme and to register for the final few remaining places, please visit the EventBrite page.
Summer Solstice Celebration at Shillingford Organics Farm
Saturday 22nd June 10am- 4pm.
Celebrate the sun with your family and enjoy feasting, foraging and crafts. You are invited to choose either 10-2pm or 12-4pm; lunch served 12-2pm with activities including a farm tour, wreath making, and handmade crafts. Shillingford Organics is a longstanding partner of the Exeter Food Network. They are committed to supporting the growth of local food economies and their organic farm focuses on growing vegetables, apples, and other produce for supply in the Exeter area. Sign up via EventBrite
Join us for The Migration Menu podcast launch event!
Wednesday 26th June 6-8:30pm
Celebrate the launch of The Migration Menu, a podcast series delving into journeys from South Asia to West London through food. Hosted by Prof James Staples and Dr Luke Heslop from Brunel University London, the series explores the significance of homeland cuisine for restaurateurs and locals, touching on migration, globalisation, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage. The event will feature a live listening of the series trailer, a Q&A session, a drinks reception, and delectable dishes from featured eateries. Meet the hosts, restaurateurs, and engage in discussions about neighbourhood research. To register visit EventBrite.
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.
Call for speakers: Join Shillingford Organics for an Organic September Event!
Shillingford Organics is excited to plan an event for Organic September, a campaign led by the Soil Association. This will include talks, workshops, farm tours and dinner with discussions. They are seeking engaging speakers on topics that align with the Soil Association themes Collaboration, Innovation, Community, and Celebration and broader themes such as organic farming, soil health and access to locally produced food.
Shillingford Organics are passionate about developing the local market for farmers and food producers. Apart from vegetable crops, they are also cultivating wheat, managing a box scheme, and actively engaging in local farmer's markets. Please email Johanna Korndorfer johanna@shillingfordorganics.co.uk if you would like to get involved or have any questions.
Job Opportunity: Full-Time Researcher/Writer for TABLE initiative
The Environment Change Institute has an opportunity for a full-time researcher/writer with the TABLE Initiative. The post will be based at an academic institution and produce intellectually rigorous, balanced, and clear analytical pieces for professionals in the food systems space, including NGOs, policymakers, the food industry, students, and academics. Work will be peer-reviewed and published on the TABLE website, reaching a global audience.
Requirements: PhD (or a Master's with extensive research/writing experience), excellent research skills, ability to write accessibly for non-academic audiences, open-mindedness and strong communication skills
Responsibilities: Write thoughtful, peer-reviewed analytical articles on food system controversies, collaborate on short explanatory videos, event organisation, and other TABLE activities
For more information and to apply, visit the TABLE website. The closing date for applications is 24th June.
Applications open for 2024-2025 Institute of Food Science and Technology Fellowship
POST and IFST are offering a three-month fellowship for PhD students involved in food science and technology research at UK universities. The fellowship, based in the UK Parliament, involves supporting the use of research evidence by producing briefing materials, assisting select committees, and organising seminars. Fellows will interact with MPs, Peers, and parliamentary activities. The fellowship can be completed full-time over three months or part-time over a longer period, starting between September 2023 and June 2024. One funded position is available, with the start date to be agreed by the fellow, POST, and the fellow's supervisor. Applications close on 17th July 2024. For more information and to apply visit the IFST website.
£15M Funding Boost for Nutrient Management in Agriculture
UKRI announces the 'Farming Futures Research and Development Fund Nutrient Management' fund, offering £15 million funding to address soil and water nutrient management challenges in agricultural livestock and crop production.
The funding will support feasibility studies and industrial research projects aimed at developing technologies easily adopted by English farmers and growers to enhance nutrient management practices.
Funded by Defra through the Farming Innovation Programme and delivered by Innovate UK, this initiative seeks innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture and fund collaborative development projects. The competition closes on Wednesday 24th July at 11am. For more information and to apply visit the competition webpage.
Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence seedcorn funding
The 9th round of IDSAI seedcorn funding is now open. The awards provide fully-funded postdoctoral researcher time to support early-phase development of ideas for innovative, interdisciplinary data science and AI research. Details about how to apply can be found on the IDSAI website. The deadline for expressions of interest is 28th June and for full applications is the 19th August.
BBSRC Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe) Discover funding opportunity
Unlock funding to explore the market potential of your bioscience-based concept and expand your understanding of technology applications with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) ICURe Discover programme.
This eight-week online market discovery initiative supports bioscience researchers, including PhD students, postdocs, and group leaders, in uncovering market opportunities and enhancing awareness. Using lean start-up methodology, the programme applies the scientific method to commercialisation, guiding participants through hypothesis testing and customer feedback. To learn more and to apply, visit the UKRI website before applications close on Thursday 19th September.
RESOURCES
Third Exeter Food Pechakucha resources
Pechakucha events provide opportunities to familiarise ourselves with our colleagues research and seek to inspire future collaborations. The third and final event in May featured:
Molly Rose Bond, Following Stevia (Ka’a he’ê): Indigenous herb to cash DNA. Un-earthing lab-grown food futures.
Tim Taylor, Associate Professor in Environmental and Public Health Economics The Food, Health and Environment Nexus: Perspectives from an Economist
Naomi Sykes The Lawrence Professor of Archaeology. Fair Game: valuing the bio-cultural heritage of fallow deer and their venison for food security, sustainable woodlands and biodiversity.
Andy Cunliffe Oppenheimer Senior Research Fellow and African Landscape Systems Programme Leader. Understanding social-ecological system (in)stability with remote sensing, supporting environmental sustainability in Africa, and a funding finder to enhance global collaboration.
The slides and recordings are available from the Exeter Food members area.
New report: The Politics of Protein
The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) has released a new report assessing the sustainability of livestock, fish, and alternative proteins, debunking misleading claims and false solutions. The report highlights that public discussions focus disproportionately on ‘protein’ without considering production system and regional differences, leading to flawed solutions. Major meat, dairy and fish companies promote technologies like plant-based alternatives, lab-grown meat and precision farming, often backed by governments, despite being responsible for current unsustainable practices. The report calls for shifting from ‘protein transition’ to sustainable food system transition, focusing on regional sustainability, reclaiming resources from 'big protein,' and prioritising public-good innovations. Read the full report on the IPES website.
ROOTS to WORK Resources: Supporting Your Search for a Sustainable Food Job
Root to Work resources pages offer a comprehensive collection of resources, advice, and insights for jobseekers in the sustainable food sector. It provides valuable information for both jobseekers and employers, emphasising equality, diversity, and inclusion to foster sustainable and ethical growth:
For Jobseekers:
- Career Insights: Explore various careers in sustainable food and farming through our detailed resource guide.
- Webinar: Watch our "Careers in Sustainable Food and Farming" webinar, featuring professionals from public health, agriculture, local government, and social enterprise.
- Job Alerts: Sign up to receive alerts for the latest job openings in this growing sector.
- Training and Skills: Discover courses and development opportunities in sustainable food and farming.
- Employability Support: Access guidance and tools to enhance your job search and career prospects.
For Employers: Learn how to recruit top talent by embedding core principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion in your organisation.
Unintended consequences of environmentally friendly diets
Amid worldwide concerns about health, climate change, and biodiversity, attention has turned to the pivotal role of our diets. Unhealthy eating habits contribute significantly to global disease, while food systems worsen climate change and environmental degradation. Efforts continue to develop sustainable food systems, but a recent review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition warns of potential trade offs, including potential nutrient shortages despite the environmental gains. This Food Tank article underscores the necessity of collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and programme implementers to create food systems that prioritise both sustainability and nutrition for people and the planet.
Waste not, want not: Food as a major sustainability lever?
Explore the latest insights from Hospitality Net World Panel experts as they examine the two crucial topics of eliminating food waste and transforming diets for socio-economic, climate, and biodiversity benefits. Despite widespread recognition of the need for sustainability, many individuals and hospitality managers struggle to translate intention into action. Discover the barriers hindering progress and uncover practical solutions in the experts' analysis. Access the full article, "Waste not, want not: Food as a major sustainability lever?" from the Hospitality Net website.
Exeter Food is coordinated by Professor Harry West
Please email us to submit items for future newsletters by the last Friday of each month. To find out more about our work, please get in touch with us.
