Moving the needle on transforming food systems

Food systems in Europe and the UK are not delivering for people or the planet. While this may sound stark, it reflects well-documented poor health outcomes, environmental harm and the persistent difficulty of making healthy and sustainable diets affordable and accessible — particularly for those most affected and least represented. Despite sustained efforts by many actors over several decades, as well as the opening of some political windows of opportunity in recent years (e.g. with the Farm to Fork Strategy in the EU, or the UK government food strategy for England, progress has fallen short of what is needed.

Against this backdrop, this report examines the activities of food system stakeholders trying to create change (referred to here as ‘changemakers’) across Europe and the UK, alongside the research landscape that supports them. It identifies priorities for investment — including both what to fund and how to fund it — to better align research with action, accelerate food system transformation and enable better health, climate and equity outcomes. The analysis is grounded in an impact pathway framework, which articulates how actions and interventions are expected to lead to change through a sequence of cause-and-effect relationships.

Transforming Ireland’s Food System: Barriers and Opportunities

Ireland’s agrifood sector stands as a foundational pillar of the national economy. The sector represents the oldest and largest indigenous exporting industry in the State’s history, significantly contributing to employment, GDP and foreign policy. At the same time, the agricultural industry accounts for 37% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, which is above the EU average of around 10%, posing a significant challenge for Ireland to meet its 2030 and 2050 national climate targets.

Ireland’s current situation is not isolated; it highlights a broader European issue. Moreover, there is a growing need to align climate goals and public health obligations by using evidence-based research and developing more sustainable value chains. Ireland has the unique opportunity to harness the latent energy of farmers, researchers, and overall communities to establish a more inclusive and interactive direction.

This research establishes several strategic priorities and recommendations based on the need to: validate alternative production models; provide long-term operational funding; bridge innovation and training gaps; and fund connective policy infrastructure. Together, these priorities offer a pathway towards a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable Irish food system that aligns agricultural livelihoods with climate and public health goals.