Welcome to our Network

Together we are harnessing research to transform UK agri-food for net zero

AFN Network+, helping get to net zero

Working together

The AFN Network+ (UKRI Agri-food for Net Zero Network+) brings together more than 2,000 key research leaders and stakeholders across UK agri-food, including third sector organisations, policy makers and agri-food industry professionals. Our mission is to shape the next decade of research to support and drive the UK agri-food system towards net zero.

Shaping the future

Together we are mapping the range of global contexts UK agri-food may face over the coming decades. We're exploring how food and farming could reach net zero under each of those contexts and we're establishing critical research questions which need to be tackled if we want to maximise the sector's progress.

Kickstarting progress

Our findings will set a clear direction for UK Research and Innovation funding over the next decade, but we're also seed funding our own research, focusing on innovative collaborations across the sector and awarding hundreds of thousands of pounds to new projects every year.

image shows a wooden farm building, with trees on either side

Webinar

Inheritance tax changes – what do they mean for farming & net zero?

7 November, 1pm – 2pm

One story has dominated the media since the Chancellor’s Budget: The decision to reduce Agricultural Property Relief for farming businesses. So what could the impact be on farming and its ability to weather the changes ahead and lead the transition to a more sustainable food system? How might the changes affect farmers’ ability to reduce emissions or enter into natural capital markets and contracts? What are the many nuances at play, including culture, emotional ties, wealth and business viability?

Our two speakers are Emily Norton, our AFN Network+ Policy Champion for Land, Agriculture and Carbon and Jason Beedell, Head of Rural Research at Strutt & Parker, one of the UK’s largest land agents.

 

image shows two delegates sitting at a table chatting at afn network big tent 2024

Save the date

Big Tent AGM

11 and 12 March 2025

Next year our annual meeting will be held in Manchester over two days. It’s a fantastic opportunity for members to gather together and engage with others working for change in the UK agri-food system. Expect engaging keynote speakers and a programme designed around inclusivity and involvement, with lots of opportunities for networking and breakout discussions.

Lettuces growing in a greenhouse

Embracing a diverse community

Joining our Network

Our members come from all parts of the agri-food system, ensuring that our work is informed by a diverse range of perspectives. Members receive regular newsletters featuring updates from across the agri-food sector, including details of events, funding opportunities, job vacancies, and more. We host events throughout the year, both online and in-person, providing opportunities for members to meet and collaborate.

Woman's hand holds a clump of soil against a green countryside

Seed-funding the future

The AFN Network+ funds a range of projects that contribute to our mission. Our annual round of scoping studies are small- and medium-sized projects that explore issues related to achieving net zero through the agri-food sector. Our Stakeholder FlexFund supports AFN Network+ members with small-scale activities that explore, develop or trial solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in UK agri-food.

 

Webinars and podcasts

Our webinar and podcast series explores the transition to net zero in the UK agri-food system with leading movers and shakers. They provide deep and varied insight from across the sector, including farmers, scientists, policy analysts, community leaders, retailers, politicians, businesses and health professionals. Take part on the day or browse our growing library.

Image shows an illustration of a future scenario called 'circular worlds' in which people are living in a world governed by circular systems

Featured report

What could the UK agri-food system look like in 2050?

How might the world look in 2050, and what sort of UK agri-food system might exist as a result? This report describes four possible futures and what policy planning and research will be needed under each, to move the agri-food system towards a net zero UK.​ Scenarios help us to think about possible challenges and opportunities ahead, and provide a route for planning and decision-making – which is the aim of this report.

Member directory

Looking for a partner for your next project? Our member directory is a great way to get in touch with other AFN Network+ members. Share your areas of work and expertise and search for other members looking to collaborate. This is the place where AFN Network+ membership comes alive.