AFN Network+ Crucible Event

The first AFN Network+ Crucible took place in Bristol on 21 and 22 June 2023. Delegates spent two days immersed in professionally-facilitated brainstorming and development of new project ideas, culminating in pitching their project for the chance to get funded. At the end of the Crucible, two projects were selected as the winners of the event. Read more about one of the winning projects.

The Crucible was part of the first AFN Network+ Scoping Study Grant call providing £350,000 for projects that support our mission of getting the agri-food sector to net zero. A key element of the scoping projects is that they involve meaningful collaboration with food system stakeholders, and work across disciplines. The Crucible provided a vital opportunity to make contacts and connections across disciplines and organisations to enable delegates to develop multi-disciplinary projects. This year's Crucible Event focused on four research themes:
​
1. Enabling behaviour change for net zero through agri-food
︎2. Reaching net zero through circular food systems
3︎. Measuring progress towards net zero through agri-food
︎4. A just transition for net zero through agri-food

"Such a wide range of people there and the way the days were structured meant you could have meaningful discussions with people you wouldn't normally meet, without it feeling forced. It flowed at a good pace and the food was great too. Thank you!"

Photographs by Tom Sparey