The UK is committed to reaching net zero by 2050. For this to happen we will have to transform the food system, which is currently responsible for almost one quarter of the UK’s emissions. 

During 2023 the AFN Network+ developed four future scenarios for how the world could look in 2050. The roadmap is developing a range of pathways for how net zero could be reached under each of the different economic, trading and social contexts presented by those scenarios. 

The roadmap is based upon the Agri-Food Calculator, a model developed by the FixOurFood project at the University of York, which uses real data to visualise the impact that different interventions in the food system will have on emissions, land use and UK self-sufficiency. 

The model allows users to explore options for transforming the food system, and the implications or trade-offs of each of those options eg. What impact does reducing meat consumption by 20% have on emissions, land use and UK self-sufficiency? How does that compare to the impact of increasing agro-forestry? Which pathway to net zero would you choose?

In 2025 the AFN Network+ will launch a consultation asking people from across the food system for their views on their preferred pathway to net zero.

By identifying the alternative pathways to net zero, it will be possible to focus on the research priorities and policy measures needed to get us there.

A final report will be published later in 2025.