As a key partner in the VISIONARY project, the University of Exeter (UNEXE) is leading the charge on sustainable food systems through Work Package 6 (WP6), where they bring together researchers, policymakers, and value chain actors to co-design sustainable food system policies and business models. Through multi-level Science-Policy Interfaces and participatory foresight exercises, the team produces actionable recommendations that align with EU strategies such as Farm to Fork and Biodiversity.

Their work doesn’t stop there: UNEXE also contributes to policy experimentation (WP3) and value chain case studies (WP4), tackling topics like collective action in water management and sustainable dairy cooperatives. With access to a UK-wide farmer discussion network of over 2,000 members, their research is deeply rooted in practice and stakeholder engagement.

Based in the University of Exeter Business School, the team is part of the Land, Environment, Economics, and Policy Institute (LEEP)—a group of interdisciplinary experts providing evidence-based insights for decision-makers across governments, businesses, and communities.