The Food and Land Use Summit

The Food and Land Use Summit is organised by the KNOWNET project.

KNOWNET: Knowledge Networking for Sustainable Food Systems and Land Use Optimisation

KNOWNET is an exciting partnership uniting Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council, and the University of Leicester’s experts from the School of Business, Institute for Space, and Institute for Environmental Futures. Together, we’re mapping the entire food value chain—from farms to waste—to tackle key challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and economic resilience.

By combining space technology, environmental science, and business insights, we’ll create practical solutions to cut emissions, restore nature, and support local policies like the Leicester Climate Emergency Strategy. KNOWNET’s collaborative approach will build a stronger, greener, and more sustainable future for everyone in Leicester and beyond!

The summit will include:

Keynote speakers:

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

Panel Discussion:

With representatives from academic, county council, city council, local policy and industry. Names to be confirmed shortly.

Breakout Discussions:

• Productivity, Profitability and Scalability
• Farming and Supply Chain
• Sustainable Land Management Policies and Space
• Food Production Health and Quality