Food and farming leaders gather for systems change talks

Senior leaders from across the UK food and agriculture sectors are gathering today (Wednesday, 16 September 2026) at the University of Reading to tackle one of the country's most pressing challenges: how to shape food systems to deliver better public health, reduce environmental footprint, and strengthen long-term food security.  

The two-day event is being convened by the University's Systems and Futures Hub and Agrifood Futures initiative, in collaboration with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Evidence has highlighted challenges from rising food prices and unhealthy diets to the environmental impacts on food production. Food systems are also increasingly exposed to risks from weather extremes, biodiversity loss, pests and disease, and geopolitical instability.

Encouragingly, farmers, community groups, business, government and research are already working together to help drive change. But change must go deeper and faster to protect the UK’s food future.

 Dr Jim Woodhill, Director of the Systems and Futures Hub, said:

"Our food supply cannot be taken for granted, and we can't afford the human and economic costs of unhealthy diets. We must think system-wide and long-term. Key leverage points for change must be crafted with input from all actors across the system. Knowledge institutions have a critical role to play in convening diverse voices, putting clear evidence on the table, and helping to shape practical, scalable solutions."

The event will bring together leading experts to explore transition pathways towards a healthier, more affordable, sustainable, and resilient food system.

Find out more about how the University of Reading is shaping the future of food systems through its research, partnerships and innovation.