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Newsletter: October 2026
Welcome to the October 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
Could Beans Transform School Meals?
The Food Foundation has launched a new episode of its Bang in Some Beans podcast series, exploring how beans could play a bigger role in healthier, more affordable school meals. Hosted by chef Melissa Hemsley, the episode examines the potential of beans to boost children's fibre and protein intake while supporting new school food standards.
Guests include chefs Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Shivi Ramoutar, University of Exeter academic Dr Fatma Sabet, and coach Mohammed Uddin, who shares insights from a bean cupcake workshop with primary school pupils.
The seven-part series, produced with Veg Power, releases new episodes every Tuesday. There’s more information here https://foodfoundation.org.uk/podcast/bang-some-beans-new-recipe-school-food
Food Drink Devon Awards 2026
Food Drink Devon celebrated its 15th anniversary this month as more than 420 guests gathered at Sandy Park for the Food Drink Devon Awards 2026. The event recognised the county’s leading food and drink producers, hospitality venues and retailers.
Headline winners included Good Game Charcuterie (Food Product of the Year), Stokehouse Farm Dairy (Drink Product of the Year), La Mar in Exmouth (Best Fine Dining Restaurant) and voco Zeal Exeter Science Park by IHG, which received the Sustainability Pioneer Award.
The awards showcased Devon’s exceptional quality, sustainability and innovation, reinforcing the county’s reputation as a nationally recognised food and drink destination. Food Drink Devon says the awards celebrate not only great food and drink, but also the passion, creativity and collaboration that continue to drive the sector forward. For the full list of winners visit: www.fooddrinkdevon.co.uk/awards.
Congratulations Dr Cristina Stewart!
Congratulations to Cristina Stewart on successfully defending her PhD thesis. Cristina's thesis, Understanding and Measuring Meat Consumption to Inform Sustainable Dietary Behaviour Change in the United Kingdom, brings together a series of influential publications that make a significant contribution to understanding meat consumption trends, measurement approaches, and opportunities to support sustainable dietary change across the UK. Special thanks go to her supervisors, Natalia Lawrence and Kerry Ann Brown, and examiners Tim Taylor, Lucile Marty, and Leone Craig for their support and expertise throughout the journey. Cristina, now a Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, has a bright future ahead. We look forward to seeing her continued success.
Sharpham Cheese Celebrates Award-Winning Year
Congratulations to Exeter Food partner Sharpham Cheese, who continue to earn national recognition for its exceptional products. At the Food Drink Devon Awards 2026, the dairy won two Platinum Awards for Cremet and Washbourne, alongside Gold Awards for Rustic and Ticklemore. Earlier this year, Sharpham also achieved a remarkable double success at the Great Taste Awards, with both Savour and Ticklemore receiving the prestigious 3-Star rating, awarded to just 2% of entries.
Looking ahead, November will see the launch of Dartmoor 75, a new washed-curd cow’s milk cheese created to celebrate 75 years of Dartmoor National Park and aged for a minimum of 75 days.
Sustainable Food Production and Afforestation
Researchers from the University of Exeter have contributed to new research published in the Journal of Cleaner Production examining how the UK can balance food security with ambitious tree-planting targets. The study found that recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), which produce seafood in highly efficient indoor facilities, could offset nearly 80% of the animal protein lost through afforestation while supporting carbon reduction goals. Led by an international team including Exeter academics Diana Tingley, Rod Wilson and Ian Bateman, the research highlights how innovative aquaculture technologies could help reconcile environmental restoration, food production and net-zero ambitions across Great Britain. The full article is here https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652626014290.
Exeter Research Highlights Need for Stronger Global Fisheries Rules
New research from I-Ju Chen at the University of Exeter argues that protecting global fish stocks will require a broader set of international legal frameworks, rather than relying on a single agreement. The study examines the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (FSA), which came into force in 2025 and aims to tackle illegal fishing, overexploitation of fish stocks and harmful subsidies. While the agreement is an important step forward, the research identifies gaps that limit its effectiveness. The findings suggest that complementary international rules, each with distinct objectives, could better support sustainable fisheries, food security, ocean health and long-term environmental sustainability. Here is more information https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-humanities-arts-and-social-sciences/
Study Highlights Benefits of Reducing Meat and Dairy Consumption
New research published in Nature Food by a team from the University of Edinburgh, working with the University of Oxford and Food Standards Scotland, suggests that reducing meat and dairy consumption could deliver significant health and environmental benefits. The study modelled 33 pathways to achieve the UK Climate Change Committee’s dietary targets among Scottish adults. Researchers found that almost all scenarios improved health, environmental and nutritional outcomes without increasing diet costs. The greatest benefits were achieved when reductions targeted high consumers of red meat and when meat and dairy were replaced with vegetables, beans, eggs and plant-based alternatives, supporting healthier and more sustainable diets. The full article is here https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-026-01384-3
Devon Food Partnership Seeking Community Food Providers
The Devon Food Partnership Food Insecurity Working Group is keen to connect with food support organisations across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. Craig Jolly from the Mushroom Exmouth District Community Food Network is offering informal visits to food banks, community cafés, pantries and social supermarkets. These conversations will help identify local challenges, strengthen networks and inform regional priorities for tackling food insecurity. If your organisation would like a visit or would like to learn more, please get in touch and please share this opportunity with your contacts. mushroomnetworkexmouth@gmail.com.
Serve It Forth Food History Festival 2026
Food history enthusiasts are invited to join Serve It Forth, an online festival dedicated to making food history accessible and engaging for all. Taking place on Saturday 17th October 2026, the festival will feature expert talks, interviews, and discussions exploring topics ranging from how the Normans shaped modern food culture to the diets of gladiators and athletes in the ancient world. All sessions will be recorded and made available to ticket holders after the event. Exeter Food members and students can benefit from a discounted ticket price of £9 (usually £12) by using the code STUDENT9 at checkout. Register here https://serveitforthfest.wixsite.com/info
CRPR Seminar: Economics, History, Environment – 60 Years of Rural Policy
Join the Centre for Rural Policy Research seminar series on Wednesday 21st October 10:45-12:15, in the Byrne House Seminar Room or online via TEAMS LINK (Meeting ID: 337 008 493 306 545 Passcode: NX9ei3JS). Dr Paul Brassley will reflect on six decades of UK rural policy through the lens of economics, history, and environmental change. Drawing on his career in agricultural economics, historical research, and environmental advocacy, Dr Brassley will explore how agricultural policy has evolved from a focus on maximising food production to addressing environmental sustainability and rural development. The seminar offers valuable insights into the political, cultural, and environmental forces that have shaped UK agriculture and rural policy over time.
Oxford Food Symposium Event: Poverty in Performance, Literature, and Community
The Oxford Food Symposium will host an online discussion, Poverty in Performance, Literature, and Community, on Thursday 22nd October at 17:00. The event brings together speakers from a range of disciplines to explore how poverty is represented, experienced, and understood through food, culture, history, and community practices. Topics include Roman attitudes to poverty, food and tourism in the Indian Himalayas, feeding the poor in the Holy Land, and the history of “poverty socials” and “white trash parties”. Attendance is free, with an optional £15 pass providing access to the associated papers and presentations. The event offers a thought-provoking opportunity for researchers interested in food, society, and inequality. Read more and register here https://www.oxfordsymposium.org.uk/event/poverty-in-performance-literature-and-community/.
Community Workshop: Foraging, Fermenting and Mutual Aid
Join this free community event, How to Depend on Ourselves and Each Other: Foraging, Fermenting, and Working Together with What We Have, on Saturday 24th October 2026 in Exeter. Bringing together practical food skills, creative learning, and community action, the day will explore food insecurity, wellbeing, and resilience during the cost-of-living and climate crises. Activities include a guided foraging walk with herbalist Yasmin Kerr, a fermentation workshop led by JarSquad, and a session on community organising and mutual aid. Open to all, the event offers an opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and discover practical ways to support ourselves and our communities. For more information and to register visit https://www.exeter.ac.uk/events/.
Special Offer Themed Nights at the Forum Kitchen
Enjoy an Italian or curry-themed meal with friends and colleagues in the Forum Kitchen on our Streatham Campus. With a different choice of dishes each week, order a main and a drink for just £9.95, with additional sides available for just £1.95. Book a table between 17:00 and 19:30 on Italiano Tuesdays or Thursday curry nights.
Visit Dartmouth Food Festival 2026
The Dartmouth Food Festival returns from 23rd to 25th October 2026, celebrating Devon’s outstanding food, drink and coastal heritage in the heart of one of England’s most picturesque estuaries. Run by volunteers since 2003, the festival brings together renowned chefs, food writers, local producers and food enthusiasts for three days of culinary inspiration. Visitors can enjoy live cookery demonstrations, wine seminars, drink masterclasses and thought-provoking Food Matters talks, alongside a wide range of trade stands showcasing the best regional produce. There’s more information here https://www.dartmouthfoodfestival.com/.
Workshop: Exploring Care and its Affective Dimensions in Agriculture
Early career researchers with an interest in agriculture, anthropology and related disciplines are invited to attend a one-day workshop, Exploring Care and Its Affective Dimensions in Agriculture, at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, on Tuesday 27th October 2026. The event will bring together PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and other early career scholars to explore care as a lens for understanding agricultural practices, management and politics. Through presentations, discussions and interactive workshops, participants will examine human, multispecies and environmental dimensions of care in agriculture while building international research networks and identifying opportunities for future collaboration. For further information see here https://lnkd.in/p/es5BpcMK or contact amanda.jousset@unine.ch.
Explore Goa’s Culinary Heritage in a Live Kitchen Lab
The Oxford Symposium’s next online Kitchen Lab takes place on Tuesday 27th October at 17:00, exploring the Portuguese culinary and cultural influences on Goa. Hosted by food historian Birgitte and food culture researcher and author Radhika Howarth, the interactive Zoom session will combine storytelling, history and cook-along demonstrations.
Participants will discover how trade, migration and cultural exchange shaped Goan cuisine while preparing three classic dishes: Chicken Cafreal, Fish Caldinho and Serradura. Recipes will be shared exclusively with registered attendees. The free event offers a fascinating opportunity to explore the rich history and flavours of one of India’s most distinctive food cultures. Register here https://www.oxfordsymposium.org.uk/event/kitchen-lab-meeting-oct26/
Culinary Mind Online Symposium: Food and Markets
Join the Culinary Mind Online Symposium: Food and Markets on Wednesday 28th October 2026 at 08:00 GMT. Part of the 2026-2027 Online Event Series, the symposium is organised in collaboration with Keri Matwick (Nanyang Technological University) and will explore the role of technology across contemporary food systems. The event will feature three expert speakers, each delivering a 25-minute presentation, followed by an interactive Q&A session open to all attendees. The symposium offers an excellent opportunity for researchers and practitioners interested in food, technology, and markets to engage with emerging ideas and international perspectives. Registration is free and open now, with joining details circulated shortly before the event. Register here.
Re-Rooting Toward Revitalisation: Lessons from Traditional & Indigenous Foodways
Researchers, knowledge keepers and Indigenous leaders will come together for the webinar Re-Rooting Toward Revitalisation: Lessons from Traditional & Indigenous Foodways on Thursday 29th October 2026. The event will explore the deep histories and future potential of Indigenous food systems, highlighting the connections between food, culture, land stewardship and community wellbeing.
Featured speakers include Dr Evelyn Nimmo, Ira Provost, Dr Natasha Lyons, Dr Viliamu Iese and Kelsey Charlie (Tixweltel). The discussion will be moderated by a representative from the Piikani Nation and Blackfoot Confederacy. Taking place online, the webinar offers an opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives on food sovereignty, cultural revitalisation and sustainable futures. Register here https://zoom.us/meeting/register/KcvY06TDSq-vqZMRIGHYDg
Agrifest South West 2026 Returns to Exeter
Agrifest South West 2026 will take place on Wednesday 4th November at Westpoint, Exeter, bringing together farmers, producers, agricultural businesses and rural professionals from across the region. With free entry for spectators from 8am, visitors can enjoy Devon’s premier primestock show, featuring cattle and sheep competitions, more than 50 agricultural trade stands, industry speakers and networking opportunities. The event also showcases the best of local produce through its popular steak, sausage, burger and ready-to-eat competitions. Agrifest provides an important forum for discussing the future of farming while celebrating innovation and excellence across the South West agricultural sector.
More information: https://www.agrifestsouthwest.co.uk/
Free Creative Workshop: Food Insecurity & Wellbeing
As part of the 2026 Festival of Social Science, the University of Exeter is hosting a free creative workshop exploring food insecurity, wellbeing and the cost-of-living crisis through photography and collage. Taking place on Friday 6th November 17:00-19:30, the workshop will encourage participants to reflect on themes of food access, care, eating and body acceptance using simple, hands-on creative activities.
No previous art or photography experience is required, and all materials and refreshments will be provided. The session will be led by photographer and artist Carli Adby-Notley and hosted by Dr Akansha M. Naraindas and Dr Fidan Turk. The event is free to attend, and places can be booked here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/food-insecurity-wellbeing-collage-and-visual-arts-workshop-tickets-1999360934376
Research Culture and Responsible Assessment Workshop
The University of Exeter’s Responsible Research Assessment Group is hosting an online workshop on Wednesday 11th November 10.30-11.45, featuring Dr Elizabeth Gadd, an internationally recognised expert in research culture and responsible research assessment.
Drawing on leadership roles including Chair of the Research Evaluation Global Alliance and former Vice-Chair of CoARA, Dr Gadd will explore the relationship between research culture and assessment, and consider the conditions needed to support positive change across research organisations.
The session includes an interactive discussion and is open to academic and professional services colleagues from Exeter and beyond. Book online to secure your place.
Webinar: Exploring the Future of Digital Agriculture
Join the Common Ground Network on Monday 16th November 18:00-19:30 for an online webinar exploring social science perspectives on digital and controlled environment agriculture. As Canada implements its new National Food Security Strategy, the session will examine how technologies such as digital tools and controlled environment farming can support sustainability and food security, while considering who benefits and who bears the costs.
Speakers include researchers Elisabeth Viau, Sarah-Louise Rudder, Alesandros Glaros and Ashleigh Weeden, with discussion moderated by Sarah Marquis of the National Farmers Union. The free event is open to all interested in the future of food systems, agricultural innovation and responsible technology use. Register via Eventbrite.
Arts and Culture Community of Practice Returns This November
University of Exeter staff are invited to join the next online Arts and Culture Community of Practice on Wednesday 25th November 14:00-15.00. The free session offers an opportunity to connect with colleagues and explore how creativity is being integrated into research, engagement and wellbeing initiatives across the University.
Speakers include conservation ecologist Chris Kaiser-Bunbury discussing the Pollinator Pathmaker project, author and creative practitioner Simon Strange introducing his new book on creative communities, and cultural producer Tilly Craig sharing insights from an arts-led research project supporting women in farming. Book your free place via Eventbrite.
Living Labyrinths: Art and Fungi at RAMM
Discover the hidden world of fungi in Living Labyrinths: Art and Fungi, a unique exhibition at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) running until 21st February 2027. Combining contemporary art with scientific enquiry, the exhibition explores themes of biodiversity, symbiosis, medical mycology and our relationship with the natural world. Featuring works in ceramics, glass, photography, painting and textiles, alongside rare specimens from RAMM’s collections, highlights include pieces by internationally renowned artists, Beatrix Potter’s fungal watercolours and Cy Twombly’s celebrated mushroom collages. Tickets are available online https://rammuseum.org.uk/whats-on/living-labyrinths-art-fungi/
CRPR Seminar: Sweet Methods for Salty Subjects
Join the Centre for Rural Policy Research seminar series on Wednesday 18th November 10:45-12:15, in the Byrne House Seminar Room or online via TEAMS LINK
(Meeting ID: 328 437 660 150 613 Passcode: 68j5KE7K).
Dr Hannah Mortimer and Dr Katarzyna (Kate) Negacz from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam will present Sweet Methods for Salty Subjects: A Creative and Participatory Approach to Stakeholder Mapping of Saline Landscapes. As climate change and human activities increase the extent of salt-affected soils worldwide, the researchers explore how different stakeholders value and interact with saline landscapes and their ecosystem services. Combining literature reviews, collaborative mapping workshops, and interviews, this innovative project highlights creative and participatory approaches to environmental governance and rural sociology.
St Thomas Community Markets: Dates for Your Diary
Support local producers and discover fresh, artisan food at the popular St Thomas Brillsville Market in Exeter. Held in The Kings Car Park, Cowick Street, upcoming market dates are Saturday 14th November, and Saturday 12th December. Visitors can browse a range of local stalls, including baked goods, produce and other community-focused offerings.
Looking ahead, the St Thomas Winter Market will take place on Saturday 21st November in The Churchyard on Cowick Street, providing another opportunity to support local businesses and community enterprises.
For updates and further information, follow the market on:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
- X: https://x.com/
Growing Local: Exeter Quayside Farmers’ Market
Launched in June 2025, the Exeter Quayside Farmers’ Market has quickly become a vibrant hub for fresh, seasonal and sustainably produced food. Set on the Piazza Terracina, alongside the historic Quayside, the market brings together farmers, growers and independent producers, giving residents the chance to buy directly from the people who make their food. Beyond shopping, the market celebrates community, supports the local economy and promotes healthier, more resilient food systems. Building on a successful first year, dates for the 2026 season have now been announced. The next is Saturday 21st November 09:00- 13:00. Find out more:
Designing Research for Policy: A Place-Based Approach
Research-active staff, particularly Early Career Researchers, are invited to take part in Designing Research for Policy using a Place-Based Approach, an interactive workshop led by Dr Aritra Chakrabarty from the University of Exeter.
Using Devon and Cornwall as case studies, participants will explore how local contexts, stakeholder priorities and policy challenges shape research agendas. Through practical exercises and collaborative discussions, attendees will learn how to co-design research, translate evidence into policy outcomes and develop interdisciplinary responses to real-world challenges.
The free in-person workshop will be held in Penryn on Tuesday 16th March 2027 and Streatham on Thursday 15th April 2027. Book early to secure your place https://www.exeter.ac.uk/coursedetail/?code=80481/
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.
Support LOVE Food CIC's Community Food Hub
LOVE Food CIC is appealing for support through a new crowdfunder to help keep the St Thomas Community Food Hub running until its lease ends in May 2027. Despite a challenging year, volunteers and cookery tutors have continued delivering vital community services, including the community fridge, pay-what-you-can lunch club and cooking sessions.
The organisation has already raised more than £1,000 towards its £5,000 target and is running a prize draw with a Thermomix TM6, Nutribullet and other prizes up for grabs. Entries start at just £5, with every contribution helping to support local people, reduce food waste and strengthen community connections. Visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/love-food-cic-prize-draw for more information.
Free Student Membership with the Society of Agriculture
As the new academic year begins, students studying agriculture, rural business, land management, environmental sciences, conservation, agri-food and related subjects are encouraged to join the Society of Agriculture through its free student membership scheme. Membership provides opportunities to build professional networks, connect with industry professionals, and access events, training, CPD and career development resources. It is an excellent way for students to enhance their studies while gaining valuable insight into the agricultural and land-based sectors. Students can find out more and apply online at: https://soc-ag.org/membership/. Please share this opportunity with relevant students and student-facing colleagues.
Call for Papers: Food Politics in the Global South- Nature Collection
Applications are open for the Food Politics in the Global South collection. This interdisciplinary initiative explores how power, conflict and negotiation shape food systems, and examines issues including food sovereignty, climate change, trade, governance and inequality. Researchers are invited to contribute work that amplifies perspectives from the Global South and identifies pathways towards fairer and more sustainable food systems. The collection welcomes critical research from a range of disciplines. The submission deadline is Thursday 22nd October 2026. Full details and submission guidance are here https://www.nature.com/collections/ighcaihiec/guest-editors.
Food and Religion in Europe (18th–20th Centuries): Call for Papers
Proposals are invited for the 18th International Commission for Research into European Food History (ICREFH) Symposium, taking place in Toruń, Poland, from 7th – 10th September 2027. Hosted by Nicolaus Copernicus University, this Food History Conference explores the complex relationships between food and religion from the eighteenth century to the present. Topics include religious dietary practices, identity, politics, and modern food movements. Researchers are encouraged to submit abstracts (max 300 words) and a short CV to icrefh@gmail.com by Sunday 1st November 2026. The event brings together leading international scholars to examine how religious traditions continue to shape food systems, culture, and society across Europe and beyond.
Global Forum on Food and Philosophy 2027
Applications are now open for the Global Forum on Food and Philosophy 2027, taking place at the University of Milan from Wednesday 27th to Friday 29th January 2027. Organised by Culinary Mind, the conference will bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to explore the philosophical dimensions of food systems and their connections to sustainability, food security, health, justice, and cultural change. The programme will feature keynote lectures, plenary sessions, panels, symposia, and workshops led by internationally renowned scholars. Researchers are invited to submit proposals by Sunday 1st November 2026. Audience registration is also open, with no registration fee required. Visit the website for more information https://www.culinarymind.org/global-forum-3/global_forum_academic_2026.
Science in Parliament - Call for Submissions
Science in Parliament are looking for articles to include in their winter edition, due to be circulated with Parliamentary and Scientific Committee members, and all MPs and Peers. One page articles should not exceed 600 words, and two-page articles should not exceed 1400 words. The deadline for submissions is Friday 20th November. For more information, contact policyengagement@exeter.ac.uk.
Assistant Professor in Food Studies Opportunity
The University of Toronto Scarborough is recruiting an Assistant Professor in Food Studies for a tenure-stream position starting in July 2027. The role offers an opportunity to join a research-intensive, interdisciplinary department with strengths in food, environmental and sustainability studies.
The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research programme linked to the Culinaria Research Centre, while contributing to teaching and student learning through the university’s Food Studies programme. Applicants should demonstrate excellence in research, teaching and community-engaged scholarship. Applications close on Monday 23rd November 2026, read more about it here https://jobs.utoronto.ca/job/Toronto-Assistant-Professor-Food-Studies-ON/606844517/
Call for Contributions: Roots/Routes: Imagining Future Foodways
Researchers, artists, activists, and practitioners working at the intersection of food, culture, and creative practice are invited to contribute to PUBLIC 76: Roots/Routes: Imagining Future Foodways, a special issue of the interdisciplinary journal PUBLIC: Art | Culture | Ideas, due for publication in Autumn 2027. The issue seeks contributions exploring food sovereignty, migration, climate change, agricultural labour, food justice, cultural identity, and the future of food systems through scholarly, creative, and arts-based approaches. Submission formats include academic papers, essays, artist projects, recipes, poetry, and manifestos. Proposal submissions close on Tuesday 1st December 2026. Find out more here publicjournal.ca/submit.
Call for Submissions: Culinary Mind/Gastronomica Lecture in Philosophy of Food
Early career researchers working in the philosophy of food are invited to submit proposals for the 2027 Culinary Mind/Gastronomica Lecture in Philosophy of Food. Organised by Culinary Mind and the Gastronomica Editorial Collective, the initiative aims to support and showcase emerging scholarship at the intersection of philosophy and food studies. The selected scholar will deliver an online lecture to an international audience in March 2027 and will have the opportunity to develop their work for publication in Gastronomica: The Journal for Food Studies. Submissions may address any topic within the philosophy of food. The deadline for proposals is Tuesday 1st December 2026. Visit the website to learn more https://www.culinarymind.org/culinary-mind-gastronomica-lecture/culinary-mindgastronomica-lecture_2027
Call for Papers: Oxford Symposium on Food & Cookery 2027
The Oxford Symposium on Food & Cookery 2027 is inviting proposals for papers exploring the theme Food & Time. Taking place at St Catherine’s College, Oxford, from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th July 2027, the Symposium welcomes contributions from all disciplines and perspectives. Suggested topics include culinary history, food memory, seasonal traditions, preservation, food technologies, climate change, and future food systems. Researchers are encouraged to consider how time shapes food practices, cultures, environments, and identities. Proposals should be no more than 750 words and outline the paper’s theme, research scope, and original contribution. The deadline for paper proposal is Thursday 31st December 2026. Find out more here https://www.oxfordsymposium.org.uk/food-and-time-2027-topic/
Apply for Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026
Farmers and land managers in England are being encouraged to prepare for the launch of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26). The scheme supports sustainable land management practices that benefit the environment, support food production and improve productivity.
The first application window opened in June 2026 for eligible small farms and businesses without existing Environmental Land Management agreements, with a second window opening in September 2026 for all eligible applicants. SFI26 agreements can be worth up to £100,000 per year, making this an important opportunity for the farming community. Read more here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26/get-ready-to-apply-for-sfi26#about-the-sustainable-farming-incentive
EUGLOH Opportunity: Exeter Affiliated Partner Engagement
The University of Exeter has joined the European University Alliance for Global Health as an Affiliated Partner, opening opportunities for collaboration in addressing global health challenges. EUGLOH brings together leading institutions to develop innovative, interdisciplinary, and transnational solutions while training the next generation of global health experts. Colleagues are invited to complete a short survey (approx. 10 minutes) to help identify links between Exeter’s research, education, and innovation activities and EUGLOH priorities. Your input will support future engagement. For queries, contact the Global Partnerships team S.Westhead@exeter.ac.uk and R.Short@exeter.ac.uk.
Defra Funding Opportunities for Farmers and Growers
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are currently offering a range of funding opportunities to support farmers, growers and land managers. Current schemes include the Farmer Collaboration Fund, which helps groups of farmers share knowledge and trial new practices, and the Farming Innovation Programme, offering support for collaborative research and development projects. Additional opportunities include the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme and the ADOPT Fund, which provides grants of £50,000 to £100,000 for farmer-led innovation and on-farm technology trials. Researchers working with agricultural partners are encouraged to explore these opportunities and share them through their networks. Read more here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/funding-for-farmers
Starting a new project or applying for funding? Tag Exeter Food in WorkTribe
If your project benefits from your membership of this network, for example through funding, advice, collaboration, or engagement, tagging Exeter Research Networks in Worktribe highlights the network's value, leading to more support and growth, ensures recognition and further strengthens the network's capacity to assist its members.
This is very simple to do and will enable us to track the bids and projects which may arise directly or indirectly as a result of network membership. Very brief guidance is available here. Thank you.
Explore PIVOT-RP: get personalised alerts for research funding opportunities
Research funding opportunities can be found on Pivot-RP. As part of ongoing work to develop university-wide support two curated Pivot-RP searches have been set up for fellowship applicants and active fellows that can be readily accessed and tailored to individual's needs. Guidance on how to do this can be found on the RIME Sharepoint site.
Discover Exeter-facing Funding Opportunities with Funding Finder
Funding opportunities can also be found using the Funding Finder platform developed by Andy Cunliffe at the University of Exeter, which signposts thousands of funding opportunities for research, fieldwork, conferences, and exchanges, relevant to individuals at all levels from undergraduates to senior academics. With searchable listings of awards from £100 to £10 million, it's designed to support global collaboration and research engagement. Please use it and share it with your networks. There have been many funding successes across the University community, more awards are being added frequently, and this tool is in use across 110 countries.
Exeter Food Seminar: Anna Taylor – National Food Strategy Resources
The Exeter Food Research Network hosted students, and partners at a seminar with Anna Taylor, Executive Director of The Food Foundation. Titled “Ambitions for the National Food Strategy” Taylor outlined priorities for the UK’s food strategy, including a proposed Good Food Bill to support healthier diets, environmental sustainability, and resilience. The talk explored policy and political challenges in building leadership for meaningful reform, and highlighted how academic research could shape effective. The event took place on Tuesday 19th May 16:00–17:30. A recording and copy of the slides are available from the Exeter Food Members area or here https://vimeo.com/1198096109?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
Third Exeter Food Network Mezze Seminar- Resources
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the third Exeter Food Mezze Seminar of the 2025–26 academic year. The session brought together colleagues from across the University for a lively mix of short taster talks, showcasing diverse food‑related research and prompting rich discussion. We heard from Raquel Revuelta Iniesta on prehabilitation in childhood cancer, Skylar Collins on fishermen’s mental wellbeing, Wim van Daele on food, migration and gut microbiomes in Bhutan, and Suchith Anand and Kate Bailey on digital feudalism in farming. The seminar recording and shared resources are available from the Exeter Food SharePoint Mezze - 5 May 2026.
Podcast Series Explores the Hidden Costs of Our Food System
A six-part podcast series, Edible Empire, was launched last month as part of the Planet Pulse Pacific podcast. Hosted by Ben Eitelberg, Emma Strutt and Dr Neal Haddaway, the series examines the concept of food imperialism and the social, environmental and economic impacts of global food production and consumption. Featuring leading international contributors, including Raj Patel and Harriet Friedmann, the podcast explores how food systems shape inequality, environmental degradation and sustainability challenges worldwide. Through thought-provoking discussions, Edible Empire highlights opportunities for creating fairer, more resilient food systems in the face of climate and global health crises. Visit https://planetpulsepacific.buzzsprout.com/ for episodes.
Routes to Regen: New Guide Offers Practical Inspiration for Farmers
Farmers worldwide are exploring new ways to build resilient, sustainable businesses, from improving soil health and integrating livestock to adopting agroforestry and regenerative farming practices. To support this journey, the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) and the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust have launched Routes to Regen, a free-to-download Bitesize Guide. Drawing on Nuffield Scholar research from across the globe, the guide shares practical insights, case studies and real-world experiences from diverse farming systems. It also includes links to full reports, helping farmers and rural professionals explore regenerative agriculture and identify ideas relevant to their own businesses. Explore the guide here https://www.rase.org.uk/reports/.
Great South West Launches Ambitious Agrifood Growth Plan
The Great South West Partnership has unveiled a new Agrifood Growth Plan at Westminster, setting out a bold vision for strengthening UK food security and driving sustainable growth. Launched in Parliament, the strategy highlights the region’s vital contribution—producing 11% of England’s agricultural output and supporting 320,000 jobs. The plan outlines priorities to boost productivity, innovation, and resilience across farming, fishing, and food sectors. Backed by industry, academic, and policy leaders, it positions the South West as a national powerhouse for agrifood. Partners will now work with Government and investors to turn this vision into action. Read the plan here https://greatsouthwest.co.uk/agrifood-growth-plan-westminster/
Guidance on Research Dissemination Available on RIME
Practical resources are available on RIME to support effective research dissemination. The guidance offers tutorials, tips, and tools to help you plan strategies that ensure your work reaches the right audiences. Content includes a pre-publication checklist, advice on using academic networks, social media, and engagement events, plus guidance on creating impactful materials such as infographics. It also highlights approaches for engaging policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders.
Effective dissemination boosts research visibility, strengthens academic profiles, supports funding bids, and builds collaborations. Access the resource here: Research Dissemination on RIME.
Let the world know you're a member of the Exeter Food Network
As a member of Exeter Food you can update your university profile to add a ‘label’ which shows that you are a member. Adding this label will provide you with increased visibility (internally and externally) as an Exeter Research Network member, as it will enable your profile to be shared on the network’s online membership lists and search tools.
Adding a network label is quick and easy and there are instructions here.
Exeter Food is coordinated by Professor Harry West
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