SDG 2 - Zero Hunger

Networks, events and research projects

The Exeter Food Network connects researchers from across the University with third sector organisations, industry leaders, policymakers, interested members of the public and other stakeholders to facilitate connection and knowledge transfer. The network aims to promote a better understanding of current food-related issues through international research all along the food chain, and by 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 and in 2024-2025 these included: 

• 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. 
• 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 is a unique community of practice which brings together over 170 independent farming groups across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The network was launched by the University in 2018 and continues to hold regular events to promote open discussion, enabling farmers to debate and consider the current issues facing the sector in a neutral non-political space.  

In February 2025, academics from the University's 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. 

The Upstream Thinking project, which is a collaboration between South West Water and University of Exeter researchers, works with wildlife organisations and landowners to promote better water quality. The project funds organisations, such as the Devon Wildlife Trust, to employ farm advisors to support farmers and landowners to farm in a way that’s good for water quality, wildlife, and their bottom line, by using less fertiliser and pesticides on their land.

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. It explores the potential to create a new, sustainable and more environmentally-friendly king prawn farming sector using renewable energy technology, helping position the UK as a global frontrunner in this field and providing innovative diversification opportunities for UK aquaculture and agriculture. The £2 million project was showcased at the Transforming UK Food Systems annual meeting in York in 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 for Defra, and the Chair of the Food Standards Agency, the team were awarded a special commendation for the clarity of message about the project’s science, societal relevance, impact and technological innovation. The King Prawn Demonstrator facility opened for in-person tours in October 2024 and virtual tours of the facility are available via the project website.

Free education for all 

The University offers a free online course (MOOC) via its Learn.Exeter platform for staff, students and the wider community: Future Food: Sustainable Food Systems for the 21st Century, This course examines the biggest challenges facing our global food production systems as we look to feed our growing population healthily and sustainably. Over four weeks, participants will consider the effects of changing diets on health, learn how the production of agricultural crops, livestock, and fish is affecting the environment, examine the three major threats to food production (climate change, the loss of soils, and destructive pests), and finally, investigate the economics and politics of the food system, and the roles of farmers, agri businesses, and governments.

Bringing research on food security to life

In addition to the above projects and networks, local farmers, food producers and other stakeholders can access our food security and sustainable aquaculture and agriculture knowledge and the technology we have developed at the University.    

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, an international, non-profit research organisation that harnesses the potential of fisheries and aquaculture to reduce hunger and poverty, is partnering with Cefas and the University of Exeter to carry out research on aquatic animal health.  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.

Developed by the University of Exeter, in collaboration with farmers, land manager and land advisors, BEE-STEWARD a free 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 predicting and comparing the effects of different land management practices, such as growing different crops, or pollinator-friendly options such as wildflower margins on bee conservation and food production, BEE-STEWARD can help farmers make the most of their land for bee conservation and food production. BEE-STEWARD can also be used by innovative land advisors and food and drink businesses to support the farmers that they work with.

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

From December 2024 to September 2025, University of Exeter researchers collaborated with industrial technology partner Seneye to develop a cutting-edge sensor which could revolutionise aquaculture. The team identified a 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, whilst lowering production costs and increasing sustainability. 

Our retail and catering service

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. 

The University is proud to have achieved a three star  Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) rating, the highest rating. Areas that scored particularly well included celebrating local and seasonal food; supporting global farmers, particularly though our work with the Fairtrade Foundation; treating staff fairly; and efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. The SRA helps organisations to move towards a better food system in many areas of their business, helping them to tackle sustainability issues, including the climate crisis, world hunger, food waste and drought. 

In addition, the University has interventions in place to prevent or alleviate hunger among its staff and students:  

• Our Market Place Forum shop is listed on the Too Good to Go app, which contributes towards both reducing food waste and offering heavily discounted food to staff and students. 
• 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.