• Food and Land Use Summit on 12 February will map the journey of Leicester and Leicestershire's food to its tables
• Will examine role of technology and knowledge in making our food sustainable
• Represents a partnership of University of Leicester expertise with Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and local organisations

Experts, businesses and policymakers convened by the University of Leicester are combining their expertise to trace the journey of the region's food from field to fork.

Together, they are aiming to map and inform the entire food value chain in Leicester and Leicestershire, fostering a collaborative approach to sustainability, net zero, and nature restoration.

They will be attending the Food and Land Use Summit on 12 February, organised by KNOWNET, a partnership between the University of Leicester, Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council. It will take place at Attenborough Hall at City Hall in Leicester and places can be booked at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/foodandlandusesummit/1460060

Bringing together key stakeholders, including local authorities, businesses, researchers, and community organisations, the symposium will share knowledge and identify practical solutions to enhance food system resilience.

The keynote speakers will be Nada Saidi, Head Analysis and Research, Land Use Framework Team at the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs; Georgie Barber, Programme Lead, Land Use and Countryside at the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission; and Emma Piercy, Head of Climate Change & Energy Policy at the Food and Drink Federation.

Principal Investigator for KNOWNET Dr Francesca Faedi, from the University of Leicester School of Business, said: "Food production and land use are major contributors to climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Addressing these challenges at a local level is crucial for creating resilient, sustainable systems that align with national and international climate goals, including Agenda 2030.

"The symposium highlights the urgent need to rethink how food is produced, distributed, and consumed to build a more sustainable future for Leicester and Leicestershire. Food and land management are central to achieving net zero and nature recovery, and this event offers a unique opportunity for businesses, policymakers, and the community to engage with cutting-edge research and innovative solutions."

By mapping and highlighting the local food value chain, the current use, and potential use, of land across the region will increase visibility and importance of local and sustainable food production.

The space sector plays an increasingly vital role in monitoring land use, tracking deforestation, and assessing agricultural sustainability through satellite data and Earth observation technologies. By integrating insights from business, space, and environmental science, this symposium will explore how Leicester and Leicestershire can develop innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance food security, support sustainable farming, and restore natural ecosystems.

KNOWNET: Knowledge Networking for Sustainable Food Systems and Land Use Optimisation is a partnership between the University of Leicester's School of Business, the Institute for Space, and the Institute for Environmental Futures, working alongside Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council.

The School of Business contributes expertise in finance, supply chain sustainability, and economic impacts, while the Institute for Space offers cutting-edge capabilities in Earth observation, satellite data analysis, and technological innovations for land and resource management. The Institute for Environmental Futures provides essential knowledge on climate change, biodiversity, and environmental policy. Together, these institutions are working with Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council to ensure that the latest academic research informs local policies and supports sustainable practices within the region.

Susan Holden, Project Manager, Public Health, at Leicester City Council said: "Increasing access and availability of nutritious and affordable food are key elements in the County and City's Food Plans. It is a welcomed opportunity to work with the University to highlight how our use of land locally and regionally can support sustainable food production."

• Leicester's Food Plan 2021-2026