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.

Share your views

As the AFN Network+ approaches the end of its UKRI funding period, we’re at a pivotal moment in our journey. We need your help to shape what comes next. Your input will help determine our future. We’re exploring how the AFN Network+ can continue supporting our vibrant, diverse community in a financially sustainable way. A potential membership model is under consideration, but we want to ensure it truly reflects what you value and how you want to engage with us going forward.

WEBINAR: Could weight-loss jabs help or hinder sustainable dietary shift?

Thursday 24th July 2025, 9:00–10:00am

What do these jabs mean for the UK agri-food system, and our ability to shift diets towards those that are healthy, nutritious and sustainable? What could their impact be on food system emissions? What about long-term, lasting health implications? Our speaker, Victoria Stevens, of Bramble Partners (co-founded by Henry Dimbleby), will delve into this topic and explore the risks, opportunities and key questions.

DIGEST: Retailers to be required to report proportion of healthy food sold

Joint announcement from Defra and Health secretaries on retailers and mandatory reporting of healthy food sold. Read our digest to find out more.

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.