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Newsletter: April 2025
Welcome to the April edition of the Exeter Food Research Network newsletter
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 and tag us in your posts for resharing!
Contents:
NEWS | EVENTS| OPPORTUNITIES | RESOURCES
Climate Change Threatens Future of Banana Export Industry
Climate change is putting the future of banana exports at risk, with new research from the University of Exeter revealing that by 2080, many Latin American and Caribbean regions may no longer be able to grow bananas for export due to rising temperatures. Bananas, a $11 billion industry, are vital to many economies. The study predicts that 60% of current banana-producing regions will face unsustainable growing conditions unless urgent climate action is taken. The study was led by Exeter Food member Professor Dan Bebber. Titled Socioeconomic Constraints to Climate Change Adaptation in a Tropical Export Crop it is published in Nature Food and was funded by the Global Food Security Programme and Horizon 2020. Congratulations Dan!
From Cairo to Cornwall: Why School Food Holds the Key to a Fairer World
We are excited to share Exeter Food member Fatma Sabet’s TEDx talk, From Cairo to Cornwall: Why School Food Holds the Key to a Fairer World. In it, she explores how school food can transform communities, tackle inequality, and create a brighter future. Drawing on her own personal journey, from witnessing food transitions in Egypt to working with agroecological farmers in the UK, she highlights how reconnecting children and communities with food can be a catalyst for change.
Core Themes are:
- The Fourth Nutrition Transition
- Food Experiences & Health Equity
- Agroecology & Food Systems Transformation
- A Fairer, Healthier Future
You Can Help- Please share this talk with your colleagues, relevant groups and on social media to spark conversations on how school food can be a driver for health, sustainability, and social justice. If this resonates with you, please contact Fatma to discuss further f.sabet2@exeter.ac.uk!
Aligning Agri-Environment Schemes for Nature Recovery- publication
A new paper from the Centre for Rural Policy Research team suggests agri-environment schemes (AES) can support nature recovery, but their impact is often limited by poor spatial targeting. In England, AES are typically designed at the individual farm level, which can lead to uneven distribution of conservation resources. To enhance effectiveness, strategic, landscape-scale targeting must be integrated with participatory approaches, setting clear goals, coordinating across farms, and adapting to local conditions and socio-economic factors. Systematic conservation planning offers a framework to align these elements. For AES to truly drive nature recovery, collaboration, shared knowledge, and flexible, targeted implementation are key to scaling up success. The paper is available in full from People and Nature website.
The Complex Relationship Between War and Cheese
While food can greatly influence war, studies often oversimplify this relationship, treating food as a tool for military leaders to control. Drawing on Tolstoy’s view of war as shaped by countless small actions, this article by Exeter Food Lead Harry West argues that the link between food and war is far more complex. Using a historical analysis of cheese, it explores how food is both shaped by war and can become a central focus of wartime actions driven by varied motives. This publication can be viewed here.
New Publication: Restoring Food System Resilience in a Turbulent World
Congratulations to EF member Michael Winter and colleagues on their new publication, Restoring Food System Resilience in a Turbulent World: Supply Chain Actors' Shared Responsibility. Part of the H3 project, this paper explores how ecological and economic challenges impact the resilience of the UK’s fresh produce supply chain. Drawing on interviews and public data, it highlights the need for hybrid governance models, fair pricing, and shared responsibility among supply chain actors. The research calls for effective policy to balance affordability with high environmental and social standards. Read more here.
Connecting research networks: Leveraging data science and AI for the intertwined challenges of food and the environment
Monday 12th May 10:15am- 2:30pm The Deck, The Innovation Centre, Streatham Campus.
The Exeter Food & Environmental Intelligence Research Networks invite you to this workshop which aims to foster collaboration between the two networks by sharing knowledge, identifying areas for future research, and mapping out toolsets. The day will include:
- Short introductory presentations to highlight ongoing work, toolsets used and provide exemplary case studies.
- Groupwork focused on specific questions and areas of shared interest.
- Informal networking over a complimentary lunch.
- Feedback and priority mapping.
Please complete THIS FORM to register or email ei-network@exeter.ac.uk
Join Us for the Third Exeter Food Mezze Seminar
Tuesday 20th May, from 9:45-11:15 via TEAMS LINK. Meeting ID: 380 631 966 692 Passcode: y9BU9kh6
You are warmly invited to attend this year’s third Exeter Food Mezze Seminar. These seminar’s offer a mixed menu of taster talks, allowing attendees to explore the food-related research of colleagues across the University. Presentations will be brief (7-8 minutes) followed by discussions, offering valuable feedback and opportunities for collaboration.
Speakers include:
- Lirong You (Geography PhD student) on winter wheat yield response in the North China Plain.
- Claire Holleran on food quality and fraud in the Roman world.
- Jenny Tunley-Price on building resilience in local food systems.
- Alex Hayward on sustainable approaches to feeding the world.
Gather Food and Drink Summit Food Drink Devon & Exeter Food
Wednesday 11th June, 9:15am to 4:30pm, with optional networking from 4:30pm to 6:30pm in The Forum Building, University of Exeter Streatham Campus
Join us for Gather, Devon’s inaugural Food and Drink Summit, hosted by Food Drink Devon in collaboration with Exeter Food.
This all-day event at the University of Exeter, Forum Building (EX4 4PZ) will bring together the Southwest Food & Drink Community, featuring keynote speakers and engaging sessions. Curated by Food & Drink Devon in collaboration with local academics, government, businesses, and experts, Gather aims to empower the sector, promote sustainability, and foster resilience for a successful future.
Early Bird tickets are available for £49 until 30th April. Food Drink Devon Members and Exeter Food Network members receive a £10 discount! Exhibition spaces are available for £95, including entry for one. For more details and to book, visit Gather Tickets.
Centre for Rural Policy Research Seminar Series
The CRPR welcomes you to join them for their seminar series:
Marianne Brown, author of the recently published Shetland way.
30th April 10:45-12:15 Byrne House Seminar Room or via Teams. Meeting ID: 351 845 849 684 Passcode: JX3Nq9Qa
Alexandre
de Azevedo Olival and Andrezza Spexoto: Strategies for strengthening family-based agriculture in the Brazilian Amazon
14th May 10:45- 12:15 IAIS Building/LT1 or via Teams Meeting ID: 331 514 022 170 Passcode: MU9H4XW7
25th June 10:45-12:15 Byrne house seminar room or via Teams Meeting ID: 337 591 463 585 Passcode: 94pU77hM
For more information, please use the links above or contact CRPR@Exeter.ac.uk
Environmental Intelligence Research Network ML4EO Conference
The EI Research Network is pleased to invite you to their Machine Learning for Earth Observation (ML4EO) Conference 2025, taking place at the University of Exeter (Streatham Campus) from 18th- 20th June. Registration is OPEN NOW—secure your spot early for a special early bird rate!
This three-day conference brings together experts in remote sensing, AI, and data science to explore the latest advancements and challenges in Earth observation. Attendees will enjoy keynote talks, panel discussions, poster sessions, training workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Visit https://ml4eo.org for more information. A limited number of student conference grants (up to £150) are available to support travel or registration. Email ei-network@exeter.ac.uk for details.
Thelma Hulbert Gallery: James Ravilious – An English Eye
From 10th May to 28th June the Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton presents an exhibition featuring the iconic work of James Ravilious, one of Devon’s beloved photographers. A selection of images from Ravilious’s extensive archive, including his renowned seventeen-year project for the Beaford Photographic Archive, captures the essence of rural life in Devon. This exhibition, on loan from The Burton at Bideford, showcases over 80,000 black and white images documenting farming, landscapes, and local communities. For more information visit the THG website.
Invitation: We Feed The UK – Full Collection of Photography & Poetry
We Feed The UK, a powerful storytelling campaign by The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and Gaia Foundation, brings together photographers and poets with the UK’s most inspiring food producers. This full collection of ten stories, is on display at The Royal Photographic Society Gallery in Bristol from 3rd April – 22nd June. This special exhibition features the complete photographic and poetic works, alongside new pieces by Magnum’s Lúa Ribeira, documenting grain rebels in the southwest. For more details on the exhibition and related events, visit the RPS website.
FOOD: Beyond the Plate: Exploring Our Relationship with Food – a RAMM Exhibition
Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum presents FOOD: Beyond the Plate, an exploration of food’s past, present, and future—from ancient tools to today’s sustainability challenges.
Discover fascinating objects, local food traditions, and a digital map showcasing Exeter’s food initiatives and research, created with support from the Exeter Food Network. The map will be handed over to Food Exeter as part of the exhibition’s legacy.
Enjoy a range of events including craft workshops, cheese-making, and RAMM Lates. Visit the RAMM website for details. The exhibition runs until 29 June. Entry is free.
New Religiosity and Sustainable Food Cultures
Friday 30th May 10:30am- 3:30pm Join King’s College London for a one-day hybrid seminar examining how religious and spiritual communities are responding to the climate crisis through sustainable food practices. With deep roots in shaping food cultures, religious traditions now intersect with ethical and environmental concerns. This event will bring together scholars and faith leaders to explore topics like carbon literacy, ethical sourcing, and the role of food in spiritual life. What innovations are emerging, and what challenges remain? South West Anthropology Network members can contact s.crockford@exeter.ac.uk regarding travel costs. For details and registration, visit the KCL Events site.
Foundations, Evolutions, and Revolutions – CAFS 2025 Annual Assembly
The Canadian Association for Food Studies (CAFS) will host its 19th annual assembly from 2nd-5th June at George Brown College, Toronto. This year’s theme, "Foundations, Evolutions, and Revolutions," will reflect on the history, present challenges, and future directions of food studies in Canada.
The conference will feature a three-day programme of plenary events, exploring the field’s origins, current issues, and future transformations. Sessions will include academic research, community-based initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
For more information and to register, visit the conference website.
Amsterdam Symposium on the History of Food – Registration Open!
Join the 8th Amsterdam Symposium on the History of Food, taking place 4–5th June, with this year’s theme: Food and the City. Explore how urban life has shaped – and been shaped by – food systems, from historical markets to modern urban agriculture. Highlights include academic presentations, roundtables, and a keynote by Professor Kate Brown (MIT), who will share insights from her forthcoming book Tiny Gardens Everywhere. Attend in person or online, with discounted rates available. For more information and to register visit the Symposium website.
A Pesticide-Free Devon: Conference & Gathering
This event is taking place on Saturday 7th June from 10:00am– 4:30pm at The Courtenay Centre, Newton Abbot. The day will include expert talks, workshops, and networking focused on creating a healthier, chemical-free future.
Key speakers include Guy Singh-Watson (Riverford Organics), Amanda Keetley (Devon Environment Foundation), and Martin Wrigley MP. Enjoy a delicious organic lunch and be part of the Pesticide-Free Devon Network launch.
To book your place: visit www.pesticidefreedevon.co.uk or email info@greenfutures-newtonabbot.co.uk
Society of Asian Food Studies (SAFS) Conference
The 2nd Conference of the Society of Asian Food Studies (SAFS) and the 15th Asian Food Study Conference will be held in Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan, 7-9th August 2025. With 3–5 parallel sessions, 36–40 oral presentations, and engaging poster displays, the conference provides a valuable platform for presenting and discussing research. A key feature is the joint session with the Society of Japanese Food Studies, encouraging rich interdisciplinary dialogue. Researchers and practitioners in food and beverage-related fields are invited to participate. For programme details and registration, please visit the conference website.
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.
Annual Conference: Historical Perspectives on Women and Food- contributions invited
The West of England and South Wales Women’s History Network invites contributions for its 32nd Annual Conference, exploring women’s roles in food production and consumption. The conference will feature a keynote by Polly Russell, food historian and curator at the British Library. Topics include food marketing, gendered education, food campaigns, and more. We welcome papers, posters, films, and panels with a historical focus.
It's taking place on Saturday 11th October from 10am to 5pm in the Forum Building, the University of Exeter Streatham Campus. Submit a 150-200 word summary to Jane Howells at howellsjane2148@gmail.com by 24th May 2025. For more details, visit the Network website.
FUTURES Festival 2025 Recruitment
The Exeter Innovation team are recruiting University of Exeter academics for FUTURES Festival of Discovery 2025. Hosted at Exeter Phoenix, with a Pop-Up Shop and associated activities on Sunday 12th October, this event is run in tandem with Universities across the South West, and connects researchers to their local communities. They are looking for researchers at any career stage interested in bringing their work to the public through interactive, family-friendly activities. For more details, including a link to our sign-up form, visit the Future’s Website and contact per@exeter.ac.uk with any further questions!
Submit Your Session Idea for ORFC26 – Deadline Extended!
The Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) returns on 8-9th January 2026, celebrating its 17th year bringing together advocates and experts in agroecology. The call for session proposals is now open until Sunday 27th April at 23:59 BST. Submissions are invited for panels, talks, workshops, performances, and more. Share your research, experience, or ideas on themes like land justice, climate, innovation, or neurodiversity in farming. Sessions can be 90 or 45 minutes. Be creative—cultural and hands-on formats are encouraged! For more information and to express an interest visit the ORFC website or contact hester@orfc.org.uk
Exeter Food Network Hosted Seminar Recordings
Missed a session or want to rewatch? Recordings and resources are now in the Exeter Food members area—see links below.
Professor Alan Kelly: Was There
a Problem with Food Processing?
Professor Alan Kelly is, Professor of Food Science and Head of the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences at University College Cork. Professor Kelly explored the history, goals, and controversies surrounding food processing, including its role in food safety and public perception. He examined the ancient origins of food processing, using dairy products as a case study, and discussed strategies to improve public understanding of food science.
Guy & Geetie Singh-Watson - Making a Life in Food
Geetie Singh-Watson MBE and Guy Singh-Watson are food industry pioneers. Geetie founded Britain’s first organic pub, The Duke of Cambridge, in 1998, aiming to combat waste and promote sustainable hospitality. Her fourth organic pub, The Bull Inn & Albatross, opened in 2019, embodying her environmental ethos. At Baddaford Farm, she and Guy fostered ethical, land-based businesses. Geetie received an MBE in 2009 for her contributions to the organic pub trade. The Bull won multiple sustainability awards.
The Broken Plate 2025: The State of the UK’s Food System
The Broken Plate 2025 report from The Food Foundation examines key trends shaping the UK’s food system and the urgent actions needed from policymakers to ensure access to healthy, sustainable food. Using 13 key metrics, the report provides a snapshot of the current food landscape and offers solutions for a fairer, healthier system.
This year's findings reveal that nutritious food is unaffordable for many, while much of what is accessible negatively impacts both health and the environment. The report shows healthier foods are more than twice as expensive per calorie as less healthy options and are less available. The poorest 20% of households would need to spend 45%—rising to 70% for families with children—of their disposable income to afford a healthy diet. Additionally, fast-food outlets make up a quarter of all food businesses, increasing to nearly one in three in deprived areas. Download the report here.
Beyond Farm to Fork Conference – A Successful Gathering
On Tuesday 25th March, the University of Exeter hosted the Beyond Farm to Fork conference at St Luke’s campus. PhD students conducting food-related research, ranging from farming and fishing to food waste and diet-related health outcomes, came together for this interdisciplinary, one-day event. Organised by PhD students for PhD students and funded by the Researcher-led Initiative Awards, the conference fostered insightful discussions and collaboration. Staff and master’s students were also invited to join the morning session. A collection of collages created during the event is now available for viewing here.
Funding for Impact, Grant Applications and Beyond
The Impact@Exeter team are excited to announce the launch of Funding for Impact: Grant Applications and Beyond, their latest Impact Essentials training. This pre-recorded module is now available here and on the Impact@Exeter section of the RIME SharePoint site.
This 70-minute training, delivered in bite-sized sections, explores the impact funding landscape, strategies for securing funds, and tips for writing compelling, impact-focused proposals. It also dispels common funding myths and highlights how to include evaluation and evidence activities.
Perfect for all career stages, this flexible resource is designed for self-paced learning. Access the training and resources here on the Impact@Exeter area of the RIME SharePoint site.
Devon’s Good Food Strategy Annual Report 2024–2025 Now Available
Devon Food Partnership has released its second annual report, celebrating over two years of progress since launching Devon’s Good Food Strategy. The 2024–2025 report highlights a significant rise in activity and deeper collaboration across the county, particularly with Devon County Council. Key updates include work on the Peninsula Food Plan, the Every Bite Counts local food campaign, Community Hubs for Food Security, and the People Planet Profit business events series.
The Partnership continues to drive and support food system change across Devon. Read the full report on the Devon Food Partnership website.
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.
EVENTS