On 8 May 2025, the Italian Embassy in London hosted an event titled Driving Change in Sustainable Food Systems, in collaboration with the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the University of Westminster. The panel brought together leading voices from both Italy and the UK to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of transitioning toward more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems.
Opening remarks were delivered by the Deputy Head of Mission, Riccardo Smimmo, who highlighted the importance of Italy–UK cooperation in the field of agri-food sustainability. Organised under the guidance of Agricultural Attaché Gabriella Manfredi, the event welcomed around 70 guests, including representatives from UK government bodies, universities, international organisations, local authorities, and the private sector.
The discussion, with a focus on national policies, governance, innovation, consumer behaviour, and the role of food businesses, was moderated by Valentina Hargrave, Head of DEFRA’s Farming and Countryside Programme.
Alessandra Pesce, Director of Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy at CREA (the Council for Agricultural Research and Analysis of Agricultural Economics), provided insight into Italy’s national approach to agricultural sustainability. She explored how governance models are evolving in response to the sustainability agenda and offered concrete examples of policy interventions that have improved food environments in Italy.
Jonathan Baker, Deputy Director at DEFRA, offered a UK perspective, outlining post-Brexit farming and food policy developments that embed sustainability at their core. He also reflected on the mutual learning opportunities between the UK, Italy, and the broader EU context.
Stefano Pascucci, Professor at the University of Exeter, focused on agri-food supply chains and how businesses are adopting sustainable practices such as regenerative agriculture. He discussed governance strategies that have proven effective in fostering real change within private companies.
Luca Cacciolatti, from the University of Westminster, examined the role of innovation ecosystem and the collaborations between academia, industry, and government in accelerating the transition to sustainable food systems. He highlighted how emerging technologies and systemic thinking can help reshape food environments in response to global challenges such as climate change and inequality.
Fred Yamoah, Professor of Sustainability at Buckinghamshire New University, explored how consumers are reshaping food systems through their behaviours and demand for sustainable products. He raised key questions around whether consumers are ready to take on a more active role, and which policy or business-led initiatives have succeeded in nudging them towards more sustainable choices. He also addressed the ongoing “trust gap” around sustainability labels and certifications.
The following day, 9 May, a follow-up meeting was held at DEFRA headquarters to deepen the discussion around national governance models and policy tools for sustainable agriculture with the Italian delegation—including researchers from CREA and the Agricultural Attaché. These bilateral engagements served as a key moment to foster dialogue and explore future cooperation between Italy and the UK. They continued their programme in the early afternoon with a technical visit to the University of Reading and its experimental farm, to explore possible synergies in their research activities.
This two-day initiative reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to building more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, with a strong focus on science-based policy, innovation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
For further information, please write to: stampa.amblondra@esteri.it
