This event, part of the University of Bristol Business School’s Thought Leaders Series, brings together innovators and leaders from various organisations with world-leading researchers for insightful conversations. A key aim is to discuss contemporary challenges and opportunities affecting a mixture of sectors, businesses and policy areas in Bristol and beyond.

This event will explore the many challenges facing the sustainability and resilience of the UK food system and discussions will explore the important question – is the food system fit for the future?

Diets, supply and tastes have changed significantly following the Second World War with choices having become increasingly plentiful and diverse. Yet today, access to food has become more dependent on fewer, larger suppliers, which has the knock on effect of increasing risk and compromises resilience within the food system. (See National Preparedness Commission Report – Just in Case: 7 steps to narrow the UK civil food resilience gap).

A key aim of this event therefore is to highlight and discuss different approaches. For example -the need to move away from centralised systems and embrace smaller hubs with regional and local focus. Critical questions will be explored, such as how prepared for food shocks is the UK? Consequently, climate change effects, supply chain problems and societal issues such as obesity and deep inequalities will also be discussed.

Our invited speaker is Alex Stevens, Chief Sustainable Supply Chains Adviser at the National Farmers’ Union. Alex will speak about Sustainable Food and Farming in a Changing Policy Landscape. Professor Guy Poppy, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Bristol will chair a Panel Discussion. Our other panellists are Heloise Balme, Director of the Bristol Food Network and Professor Lucy McCarthy from the University of Bristol Business School.

To register please use the ‘Reserve a spot’ link. Please note that due to limitations on numbers, we are not able to accept registrations from external universities.