Food Security


Food and agriculture

Enabling food production to keep pace with population growth in the face of global climate change is a significant challenge. New genetic approaches to crop improvement will be required to produce novel varieties that are more resistant to drought and climate-related constraints on crop production, whilst not compromising yield or pest resistance. Sustainable intensification of agriculture will require a better understanding of plant responses to both beneficial and threatening environmental factors, exploiting interactions with beneficial symbionts such as mycorrhizal fungi and maximising the use of plant and microbial based renewable resources through gene discovery, so our research focuses on:

  • Improvement of existing crops and development of novel varieties
  • More nutrient, carbon and energy-efficient agricultural systems
  • Impacts of air pollution on agriculture
  • Management of marine fisheries
  • The effects of climate change on food production
  • Changes in patterns of agri-food supply chains
  • Human behaviour and the sustainability of consumption and production systems
  • Transforming governance for sustainable livelihoods

Associated Staff

Mike Ashmore, Environment

Bryce Beukers-Stewart, Environment

Jo Beukers Stewart, Environment

Nigel Boatman, FERA

Alistair Boxall, Environment

Colin Brown, Environment / FERA

Neil Bruce, Biology, CNAP

Cecile Brugere, SEI-Y

Lucy Carpenter, Chemistry

Nic Carslaw, Environment

Neil Carter, Politics

Steve Cinderby, SEI-Y

Rob Edwards, Biology /FERA

Lisa Emberson, SEI-Y

Seda Erdem, Health Sciences

John Forrester, SEI-Y

Ian Graham, Biology, CNAP

Sue Hartley, Biology

Sarah Knight, FERA

Nilafur Matin, SEI-Y

Simon McQueen-Mason, Biology, CNAP

Alistair Murray, FERA

Jon Pitchford, Biology, YCCSA

Pete Robertson, FERA

Murray Rudd, Environment

Liz Rylott, Biology, CNAP

Samarthia Thankappan, Environment