News

Tomato seedlings growing at home In the city. They are growing in a tray next to a window which overlooks a city urban area.
17 June 2020

The coronavirus pandemic is a symptom of a broken food system

The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the fragility of our food supplies – but building a more resilient system could provide a path to recovery.
Photo of a single sheep in a barn with a metal fence behind the sheep. Behind the fence is a large flock of sheep. Stock photo.
23 June 2020

Red tape and digital divide threaten success of post-Brexit sustainable farming incentives, research shows

‘Digital divide’, scheme complexity and social isolation make some farmers less likely to contribute to the design and delivery of a ‘public money for public goods’ scheme
Empty egg shelves in a grocery store or supermarket
4 June 2020

More local food supplies could prevent empty shelves after pandemic, say experts

University of Sheffield academics to investigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local food suppliers
Professor Duncan Cameron inspecting tomatoes in a large greenhouse
26 May 2020

Scientists develop ‘probiotics’ to help plants fight disease without pesticides

Innovative approach could support farmers to grow tomatoes and soft fruits year-round and in urban areas.
Volunteering: food and grocery shopping delivered to doorstep

Experts from the University of Sheffield and King’s College London to monitor real time responses to food vulnerability

A new research project funded by the ESRC will map and monitor responses to food vulnerability during the COVID-19 outbreak

29 June 2020
Teenage girl looking at fruit drink with satisfied expression

Climate facts to chew on at home-school lunchtime

A group of University-based researchers is sharing free online content for children to learn about how food contributes to climate change.

1 June 2020
sheffield city centre - peace gardens

Sheffield food business's coronavirus response and resilience

Dr Megan Blake speaks to local food organisations in Sheffield who have found new ways of working during the crisis.

25 May 2020 | Published by the University of Sheffield
An undergraduate student in a lab coat.

MSc Sustainable Agricultural Technologies

How will we feed nine billion people by 2050? This course draws on our world-leading expertise in the field, training the next generation of skilled agronomy professionals to drive positive changes in agricultural practice and policy.

4 May 2020
Woman wearing a mask in a supermarket and gloves. She is picking up an apple.

Covid-19 pandemic highlights urgent need to change Europe’s food system.

Q&A with Institute for Sustainable Food director Professor Peter Jackson.

4 May 2020 | Published by the Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine
Two hands holding rice.

Half of UK rice breaches limits on arsenic for children, warn scientists

More than half of rice varieties sold in the UK contained levels of arsenic higher than regulations allow for babies and children under five.

1 May 2020
Picture of a box of allotment produce on the ground with green plants in the background

Sheffield study highlights impact of homegrown food

The parents of the University of Sheffield's Institute for Sustainable Food academic are supporting the university’s study into people who grow their own food.

28 April 2020 | Published by the Sheffield Telegraph
Portrait photo of Dr Hannah Lambie-Mumford

Dr Hannah Lambie-Mumford awarded new Leverhulme Fellowship to research food corporations and food charity

The new research project entitled “Charity begins in the boardroom? Food corporations and food charity” begins in September 2020

27 April 2020
Ploughed soil in a field of crops
Ploughed soil in a field of crops

Rock dust helps soils store carbon and boosts crop yields, research shows

Simple method could help mitigate the climate crisis, improve food and soil security, and cut farmers’ costs

21 April 2020
Professor Peter Jackson gives a speech.

Examining the sustainability of our food systems: Interview with Peter Jackson MAE

Professor Peter Jackson MAE explains why he became involved in the study of food, and his role in the publication of a major evidence review on sustainable food systems.

20 April 2020 | Published by Academia Europaea