SDG 2 - Zero Hunger

Exeter Food Network- connecting researchers from across the University with third sector organisations, policymakers, interested members of the public and other stakeholders.  We work in places around the world, conducting research all along the food chain, examining the dynamics of contemporary food systems, the legacy of historical foodways, and the possibilities for healthier, greener, and more equitable food futures. 

The Network hosts events across the year, such as : 

Exeter Food Network Michael Caines MBE public lecture (Nov 2024) Transforming the Menu: How rediversifying and rebalancing what we eat can lead to a more sustainable, more secure food system. 

Exeter Food Network talk – Understanding the biophysical processes and extension mechanisms of natural farming (Oct 2024)  exploring the accuracy and efficacy of Zero Budget Natural Farming public messaging through an interdisciplinary soil and social science investigation, which sought to understand motivations behind the adoption of an agricultural practice projected to reach over six million farmers in Andhra Pradesh by 2024. 

The UK Farmer Discussion Network includes over 170 independent farming groups across England, Wales and N.Ireland -  a unique community of practice homed in the University Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute (LEEP).  Launched in 2018 to promote open discussion, to enable farmers to debate and consider the current issues facing the sector in a neutral non-political space.  

Academics from the Centre for Rural Policy Research Centre for Rural Policy Research took part in Rootstock – a one-day annual conference bringing together expert scientists and practical farmers to discuss forward-looking, profitable, sustainable farming in tune with natural processes. 

Upstream Thinking  – South West Water, assisted by University of Exeter researchers, work with wildlife organisations and landowners to promote better water quality. Funding organisations like the Devon Wildlife Trust to employ farm advisors to support farmers/ landowners to farm in a way that’s good for water quality, wildlife, and their bottom line – using less fertilizer, nutrients, and pesticides. It’s a program that benefits water quality, wildlife, and the farmer financially. 

The UK Sustainable King Prawn Project is led by experts from the University of Exeter in partnership with the University of Reading and Rothamsted Research.  Exploring the potential to create a new, sustainable and more environmentally-friendly king prawn farming sector using renewable energy technology. 

It aims to help position the UK as a global frontrunner in this field and provide innovative diversification opportunities for UK aquaculture and agriculture. 

The £2 million project, which is exploring the potential to create a new, sustainable and more environmentally friendly king prawn farming sector using renewable energy technology, was exhibited at the Transforming UK Food Systems annual meeting in York 6-7 January 2025.  

The conference was a platform for academics and policymakers to address critical issues in food security, health and environment.  As well as presenting directly to the Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and the Chair of the Food Standards Agency, the team were awarded a special commendation for the clarity of message (see posters) about the project’s science, societal relevance, impact and technological innovation.  

The King Prawn Demonstrator facility opened for in-person tours in October 2024. You can take a VIRTUAL tour of our commercial scale demonstrator via the project website.

We provide a free MOOC Future Food: Sustainable Food Systems for the 21st Century, available to staff, students and the wider community through our platform Learn Exeter. 

In addition to the above projects and networks we provide access on food security knowledge and sustainable aquaculture/agriculture to farmers, food producers and other communities.  

Research carried out by Exeter Food members on food insecurity and hunger engages with communities around the world as well as those in the immediate environs of the University’s campuses, and includes historical, as well as contemporary, work on famine and food poverty. Work in this area includes research on how food systems and food access are not only shaped by structural inequities, but also affected by dynamic processes such as shifting political landscapes (e.g., Brexit), national and global economic events (e.g., the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and subsequent austerity policies), environmental forces (e.g., the climate crisis) and public health events (e.g., the Covid-19 pandemic). 

The Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures (SAF) is a joint initiative between the Centre for Environment, Aquaculture and Fisheries Science (Cefas) and the University of Exeter. SAF seeks to develop further collaborative partnerships with academia, governments and industry, both nationally and internationally, to establish a network of world leaders in the fields of aquatic animal health, food safety, and protection of the aquatic environment. 

WorldFish is partnering with Cefas and the University of Exeter to carry out research on aquatic animal health to help harnesses the potential of fisheries and aquaculture to reduce hunger and poverty.  WorldFish is an international, non-profit research organisation that harnesses the potential of fisheries and aquaculture to reduce hunger and poverty. To address the global challenges faced in aquatic food security and safety, sustainable intensification of aquaculture production will require innovative research, and the translation of this research into practical solutions. 

BEE-STEWARD a free to download computer software tool designed to help farmers and land managers see how pollinator-friendly management on their farm could affect bee survival and pollination rates. 

By forecasting and comparing the effects of different land management such as growing different crops, or pollinator-friendly options such as wildflower margins on bee conservation and food production, BEE-STEWARD can help farmers to make the most of their land for bees and for business. 

Researchers at the University of Exeter’s Business School conduct place-based research which prioritises collaboration with local communities. By directly working with farmers, businesses, and policymakers, they are fostering a shift towards sustainable and socially responsible food systems, from the ground up. You can read more about their work here  

New collaboration on sensor could have industry-wide impact for aquatic farming. 

Exeter researchers are collaborating with industrial technology partner Seneye to develop a cutting-edge sensor which could revolutionise aquaculture. 

They secured £35,000 of funding for a nine-month collaboration starting 1st Dec 2024. 

The team identified a large gap in the aquaculture industry for an accurate, robust calcium sensor. Delivery of such a sensor could have substantial industry-wide impact through improvements in yield and farmed animal welfare, and through enabling evolution of a responsive and data-driven culture within water chemistry management. 

The Sustainable Restaurant Association help organisations to move towards a better food system in many areas of their business helping to tackle sustainability issues, including the climate crisis, world hunger, food waste and drought. The University is proud to have achieved the highest rating, scoring highly in celebrating local and seasonal food; supporting global farmers, particularly though our work with the Fairtrade Foundation; treating staff fairly and through efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. 

The University is committed to supporting, using and promoting Fairtrade within the retail and catering outlets and services on campus and works towards a number of goals set by the Fairtrade Foundation 

In addition:  

Our Market Place Forum shop is listed on the Too Good to Go app, reducing food waste.

In March 2024, a community fridge opened at the Forum Library. This is a collaboration between the University and Foodsave CIC. The fridge is restocked daily with surplus food from local businesses, provided for free to help reduce food waste.

The joint kitchen garden garden project between the Catering and Retail and Grounds teams continues to expand, with over one tonne harvested in 2024/25. Using both traditional planting and hydroponics, it provides local, sustainable produce year-round.

Grand Challenges is a project week, in which University of Exeter students work in interdisciplinary groups with other like-minded students to design innovative solutions to real world challenges linked to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goal. Top academics and invited speakers will share their views and help students apply their skills and knowledge to a real-life problem.