Can Britain be a nation of tea growers? Scientists say yes – and it could even be good for your health

From Devon to mid-Wales, scientists are finding that UK-grown tea isn’t just possible – it could be good for people and the planet.

Nigel Holt, Professor of Psychology, Aberystwyth University • conversation
June 17, 2025 ~6 min

How to tackle new strains of potato blight and avoid another great famine

Dependence on a single crop is risky. When blight strikes vulnerable communities, the consequences can be devastating.

David O'Connor, Associate Professor, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University • conversation
May 20, 2025 ~7 min


The UK’s food system is broken. A green new deal for agriculture could be revolutionary

A transition from animal proteins to more plant products could help with the food crisis while offering farmers a more sustainable income.

Benjamin Selwyn, Professor of International Relations and International Development, Department of International Relations, University of Sussex • conversation
Feb. 28, 2025 ~8 min

Protesting farmers are having to fight off the radical right, conspiracy theorists and climate sceptics

Until farmers get a fair deal, other groups will seek to exploit the situation.

Tom Carter-Brookes, Leverhulme Doctoral Scholar, Sustainable Rural Futures, Keele University • conversation
Dec. 13, 2024 ~6 min

Subsidised community restaurants could help tackle the UK’s broken food system – here’s how

Establishing a nationwide system of community restaurants could help tackle the current food and farming crisis.

Benjamin Selwyn, Professor of International Relations and International Development, Department of International Relations, University of Sussex • conversation
Dec. 10, 2024 ~9 min

Farm inheritance tax: farmers cannot go green if they are in the red

If British farms are less competitive then food production will simply shift elsewhere.

Alex Heffron, PhD Candidate in Geography, Lancaster University • conversation
Nov. 19, 2024 ~7 min

‘I feel more like a professional gambler’: British farmers reveal their twin struggles with climate change and mental health

A sense of powerlessness is preventing farmers from adapting to climate change.

John Whitton, Professor of Environmental Social Science, University of Central Lancashire • conversation
June 10, 2024 ~7 min

‘I might as well stop and diversify into holiday lets’ – new research reveals the reality of farming after Brexit

Some farmers are bewildered and anxious about changes to the way they work.

Deema Refai, Associate Professor in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, University of Leeds • conversation
April 23, 2024 ~7 min


Pesticides urgently need reform – the UK’s overdue action plan must make these drastic changes

The six-year-late UK national action plan for the sustainable use of pesticides is finally due but experts doubt it will be radical enough.

Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology (Evolution, Behaviour and Environment), University of Sussex • conversation
Feb. 5, 2024 ~8 min

Phosphorus supply is increasingly disrupted – we are sleepwalking into a global food crisis

This crucial fertiliser component is mostly found in just five countries.

Dana Cordell, Associate Professor, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney • conversation
Dec. 16, 2022 ~8 min

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