IDS, the University of Sussex and Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming are collaborating on a scoping study for the UKRI Agri-food for Net Zero Network+, AFN Network+, on rewilding and just transitions in UK agrifood systems.

The study is situated in the context of land use changes to achieve environmental policy goals, and debates about food security and farming identities and livelihoods in the UK.

Research will explore the interactions between rewilding, farming and food production in the Sussex region. This work will focus on territorial interfaces, exploring connections, spill overs, synergies and tensions between neighbouring practices and their aims. It will also identify obstacles to adopting nature recovery principles in farming, including economic challenges and knowledge gaps that may exist.

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The project team will interact with purposely selected stakeholders directly or indirectly involved in rewilding and farming in the region, including farm owners and tenants, labourers and volunteers, community organisations, charities, local authorities, and agronomists supporting farmers.

Guiding questions are: how are different groups impacted by nature recovery interventions such as rewilding in agri-food landscapes and what concerns are they raising?  How can the debate about nature recovery incorporate a diverse set of voices and concerns?  How can nature recovery interventions incorporate an integrated view of justice that works for people and nature?

Policy engagement will seek to build bridges between rewilding, farming, and food justice communities and define guiding principles for a just socio-ecological transition, emphasising synergies between nature recovery, fair livelihoods and food security goals, that policy actors, farmers and advocacy organisations can use.

Useful links:
Roots of Change | Food for the Planet