The latest news from the Global Academy for Agriculture and Food Systems. Smaller portions drive fall in meat consumption Reduced serving sizes account for over half of the decline in UK meat consumption, outpacing other behaviours such as meat-free days, study finds. Strategic marketing of organic foods can boost demand Marketing strategies, cultural considerations and targeted messaging could be key to boosting global demand for organic foods and beverages, review finds. Alleviating livestock feed shortage in sub-Saharan Africa Experts highlight hotspots for cattle feed scarcity and suggest solutions to optimise the use of existing supply through evidence-based decision making. AMR expert network secures funds to tackle resistance A University of Edinburgh co-directed research network has received a £650,000 UKRI award to engage with communities and policymakers across the UK to reduce the AMR burden. Cutting processed meat intake brings health benefits Reducing consumption of processed meat by around one-third could prevent more than 350,000 cases of diabetes in the US over 10 years, a study suggests. Global tool estimates environmental impact of diets Interactive infographics aid in understanding the nutritional and environmental impact of different diets across the globe. Warning labels could reduce appetite for red meat Study provides insights into the effects of warning labels and taxes on red meat purchases. Media bias may frame food system debate Media channels placed emphasis on individual responsibility rather than systemic change in response to a nationwide food systems review, study finds. Caution urged over updates to key food dataset Changes to methods used to calculate national consumption of key commodities gives rise to discrepancies. Survey to understand eating habits of young Scots National campaign aims to capture details of dietary habits, to inform Government policy and guidance. University and ILRI renew livestock research partnership Renewed Memorandum of Understanding creates research alliance to transform food systems and enhance sustainable livestock production. Antibiotic tax could be as effective as a ban, study shows A tax on antimicrobial drugs for livestock animals could help mitigate the rise of drug resistance while raising revenue, a modelling study indicates. Summer school focuses on infectious disease research International initiative helps early career scientists develop their skills in studying infectious diseases. Traditional agriculture can support planetary health Experts highlight the importance of the traditions of sustainable resource use efficiency in smallholder farming, and identify areas for innovation. Policymakers advised on actions toward healthy diets Nutrition experts offer guidelines for action at local levels to support healthy diet and weight across populations. Expert group tackles economics of antimicrobial resistance Global Academy researcher joins team advising global initiative on economic challenges linked to antimicrobial resistance. Study spotlights factors affecting antibiotic resistance Effective disease management, responsible antimicrobial medicine use, and socioeconomic factors influence antibiotic resistance in European livestock. Landmark report on diet paves way to future research Review of EAT-Lancet Commission’s report impact sets out direction of travel for studies into sustainable, healthy diets. Women key to crop success in low-income countries Empowering women farmers in low and middle-income countries can lead to greater crop diversity – helping to improve year-round supply of healthy foods. Livestock policies should reflect diverse views, study finds Research reveals how an influence of worldviews and values shape stakeholders’ perspectives towards developing a more sustainable livestock sector. Professor Lisa Boden appointed new Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies A leading specialist in veterinary public health and population medicine has been appointed as the new Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Meeting focuses on antimicrobials in livestock Symposium gathers experts to focus on key challenges in antimicrobial use and resistance in livestock and aquaculture. University partnership unveils agricultural strategy A group of UK universities has collaborated on a research strategy to respond to major challenges faced by the agriculture sector. Food politics trailblazer welcomes Edinburgh Medal award Professor Marion Nestle joins Q&A to reflect on recognition for influential career in food studies. Expert report sets out path to living with bird flu risk Document summarises current situation and details how to manage threat of outbreaks. Science can support sustainable beef production, expert claims Beef can be part of the solution to sustainably feeding a growing global population, researchers suggest. Parental work in agriculture affects child development Children are negatively affected when their parents work in farming, and this could be addressed by interventions in child care and women’s empowerment. Masters programme tackles crises for people and planet Planetary Health degree seeks to equip graduates to address global issues threatening human, environmental and economic wellbeing. Smallholder farming benefits nutrition in under-fives Small-scale livestock agriculture supports nutrition and health in young children and women, a wide-ranging review shows. Fertiliser costs could lead to undernourishment for millions Soaring energy and fertiliser prices will be the biggest factors affecting food prices in future decades, modelling analysis shows. Expert joins panel advising Scottish Government Researcher appointed to Scottish Scientific Advisory Council, to support work of national Chief Scientific Adviser. Market conditions key to adoption of gene editing Consumer acceptance, regulatory frameworks and manageable trade routes will support adoption of sustainable food technology, research suggests. Death of Professor Alan Raybould We mourn the sudden loss of our friend and colleague, and celebrate the contribution he made to our work. Eursafe event focuses on transforming food systems International meeting considers challenges of sustainably feeding the world’s growing population. Insects offer sustainable, nutritious food source Edible insects are a healthy, efficient low-carbon food that is likely to become more accepted in Western diets, according to a report. Pandemic’s first wave had minimal impact on farming pattern and practices in India Indian farmers experienced disrupted labour, supply chains, and access to credit and markets owing to Covid-19, but did not significantly shift their cropping patterns and cultivation practices, research led by the Global Academy and Council on Energy, Environment and Water shows. EurSafe conference focuses on food systems Experts gather in Edinburgh for annual meeting of the European Society for Agricultural and Food Ethics. Students gather for summer school on One Health Undergraduates from Una Europa partner universities assemble for two-week event hosted in Edinburgh. Post-pandemic diet shifts could avert premature deaths Covid-19 recovery plans should focus on healthier diets as much as economic growth to prevent huge numbers of avoidable deaths, research involving the Global Academy suggests. National event focuses on food security challenges Sector-wide conference examines local and global issues linked to resilience in food supplies. Campus to host secondary school with focus on STEM Local high school pupils to benefit from educational facility within University site. Animal disease centre wins share of £35m funding EPIC team secures tranche of five-year Scottish Government support for research into animal disease outbreaks. Staff honoured by students in annual teaching awards Colleagues recognised for efforts to support learning, in University-wide accolades. National assessment highlights research excellence UK Research Excellence Framework results affirm outstanding research environment and impact on society. Stakeholder study seeks to map future of UK livestock Researchers engage with sector on transformation of animal agricultural systems. Natural farming programme halves use of pesticides by farmers State-led training of farmers in organic farming practices can substantially reduce pesticide use in India, study suggests. Insight into sales messaging could aid seafood trade Global variations in marketing approach offer scope for sector developments. Scientist adds voice to UN climate change report Food security expert contributes to the latest United Nations report on the state of the world’s climate. Diseases in spotlight at One Health workshop Delegates from Scotland and China focus on approaches to zoonotic illnesses. Varied red meat intake offers scope for alternatives American adults consume red meat in a range of foods, creating opportunities to introduce meat-free substitutions. Data science applied to key food systems challenges Scientists support efforts to define urgent data science questions for food systems sustainability. Seminar: "Food Systems for Nutrition: Progress in the Last Decade and Future Directions" Join our seminar on 8th December 2021 at 13.00 hrs (GMT) Expert joins sustainable livestock event at COP26 Researcher joins panel discussion on future of Brazilian agriculture at UN Climate Change meeting. Lessons from India on scaling up natural farming COP26 event will share experiences from large-scale transition to organic farmland in southern India. Student placement success at SEBI in Livestock Internship gives insight into data modelling and supportive working cultures. Students gain experience with FAO internship United Nations agency’s energy departments host undergraduates for three-week placement. Student joins international COP26 youth event Third-year represents his home nation at Youth4Climate Summit, in advance of global gathering in Glasgow. Conference: EurSafe 2022 'Transforming Food Systems' How do we provide safe and nutritious food for all, faced with the challenges of achieving net zero carbon, tackling social inequalities and degraded environments, and meeting the ethical expectations of our societies? Partnership for data-driven early response to hunger launched Leading research and humanitarian agencies have joined forces to harness data and technology in a bid to stop climate shocks resulting in hunger in vulnerable livestock farming communities. Partnership to deliver data-driven tech to farmers A collaboration with software firm Trinity AgTech will seek to add value to farming supply chains, with benefits for farmers and society. Students challenged to eat well for the planet A month-long meal plan gets under way with the aim of helping students to eat healthily and sustainably. Health warnings can nudge consumers to eat less meat Labelling indicating the health risks associated with red meat could help lower consumption, tests show. Changing markets put pressure on livestock sector Pressure from consumers, policymakers and investment funds are all reshaping the livestock sector. Schools have food for thought at Scottish produce webinar Online event helps pupils and teachers unpick Scotland’s role in the global food sector. Consensus breaks out on net-zero farming Farmers, academics and NGOs deliver consensus on the usually contentious subject of farming and climate. Monocroppers at increased risk of poor diets during Covid lockdown During the most restrictive part of COVID-19 lockdown in India, farmers planting only one type of crop were more likely to experience a decline in diet quality than those cultivating two or more. Student team wins prizes for sexual health project Linda Initiative wins University Changemaker Award and Leadership prize for programme to support young people. Virtual student work placement success at Aviagen Work experience with global company enriches learning experience for undergraduates. Indian study tracks health benefits of organic farming Memorandum of Understanding supports collaboration to evaluate effects of large-scale transition to sustainable agriculture. Young population helps limit Covid-19 impact in Ethiopia Climate, clean air and other nationwide factors help suppress number of deaths from coronavirus. Vet profession sustainability champion awarded Founder of Vet Sustain wins prize for work dedicated to championing sustainability in the veterinary professions. Award honours support for community initiative Sustainability prize recognises efforts to deliver food parcels to local people during the Covid-19 pandemic. Salt content on the rise in vegetarian menu options Sodium levels in meat-free dishes are increasing, as the consumer trend towards plant-based diets continues. Students win accolades for leadership efforts Undergraduates are honoured with Academy prizes for their inspiring work to support others. Vitamin D in pregnancy does not curb asthma in babies Analysis of clinical studies finds no evidence to support the use of supplements for mothers-to-be. Musical memories capture mood of displaced Syrians Art project with families impacted by unrest creates collection of hummed songs. Syrian food security initiative wins research support International collaboration included in UKRI international development research programme awards. Crop research seeks to support African smallholders Improved understanding of soil and plant interactions will aid productivity in key crops. Proxy healthcare measures put Global South patients at risk People with cardiovascular diseases in low- and middle-income countries are missing out on potentially life-saving treatments. Insight needed to improve livestock feeding practices Greater understanding of smallholder farmers’ experiences could help improve livestock feeding and aid productivity and income, research shows. Covid-19 causes hunger crisis for Syrian refugees Travel restrictions, loss of livelihoods and rising food prices caused by the coronavirus outbreak are affecting Syrian refugees in border regions in the Middle East. Assessment reveals impact of pet food production Land equivalent to twice the size of the UK used to make dry food for cats and dogs. NEW online course in Sustainable Global Food Systems How do we feed 11 billion people? Researcher named among world-class fellowship winners Dr Lindsay Jaacks wins Future Leaders Fellowship from the UK Government. Infants in poorer regions lack access to diarrhoea therapy Poor availability of rehydration remedies for under-fives is leaving many without treatment. UK nations seek to champion animal health and welfare Food and Farming Futures workshop explores opportunities and interests post-Brexit. Dr Lindsay Jaacks joins the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security Announcing new appointment Emissions recycling paves way to sustainable feedstuffs A single-cell protein for fish and poultry feed developed from industrial CO2 could transform food production systems. Dr Simon Fraval joins the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security Announcing new appointment Dr Taddese Zerfu joins the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security Announcing new appointment Global Academy of Agriculture COVID-19 Response COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on our health and food systems. Cattle diet software helps sustainable production A newly developed algorithm processes a range of complex factors to define the optimum feed for sustainable animal growth. Take our survey on postgraduate Data-Driven Animal and Plant Breeding and Genetics We would like to hear your views The Planetary Health Game In the Planetary Health Game, players battle to keep people, the planet and their own businesses healthy. Climate lessons could aid antibiotics challenge Rising antimicrobial resistance, fuelled by overuse of treatments, could be curbed with a framework inspired by climate change targets. Zimbabwe GCRF Foundation Award Visit Our scientists and partners visit Zimbabwe as part of a GCRF foundation award. Palm Oil Production Film Dr Fiona Borthwick explains the complex landscape of palm oil production and methods of sustainable development for the future. First birthday for Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security celebrates its first birthday this week. Professor Geoff Simm: Inaugural lecture: Thought for Food - Food for Thought? You can now watch the Inaugural Lecture given by Professor Geoff Simm, Director of the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security. Second Round of Projects Funded by Edinburgh Sydney Partnership Collaboration Awards The latest projects to be funded by the Edinburgh Sydney Partnership Collaboration Awards have been announced. Can we change course on the global livestock feed industry's environmental impact? Q&A with Alan Duncan, Visiting Professor at the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security and ILRI Livestock Feed Specialist. Innovative data-driven Fellowships available The University has announced a number of prestigious new fellowships for highly talented researchers focused on data-driven innovation. Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, works with Edinburgh Global Research and Partnership Fund The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security is very happy to be working with the Edinburgh Global Research and Partnership Fund, to support the development of Edinburgh’s global partnership community. Launch of the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security Bill Gates and Government Minister Penny Mordaunt have formally launched the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, a £35 million research and teaching initiative focused on safeguarding the future of the world’s food supplies, during a visit to the University’s Easter Bush campus. Global Academy – Global Recruitment It’s been a busy few months for the Global Academy with applications for 2018 Entry open to potential students. Agriculture workshop examines drone use to boost harvests Experts are meeting in Africa to explore how drones and other remote sensing tools may be able to help farmers make better use of their land. Launching a new Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security A new Global Academy is bringing experts together to find solutions to the world's key food issues. This article was published on 2024-09-02