IHUL was honoured to participate in an insightful event hosted by the Ambassador of Italy to the UK, Inigo Lambertini, in collaboration with the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the University of Westminster. The event convened leading voices from both the UK and Italy to explore the future of sustainable food production.

Professor Brendon Noble, Director of IHUL, attended the event and engaged with a panel of distinguished experts, including Jonathan Baker (DEFRA), Dr Luca Cacciolatti (University of Westminster & ABC Venture Studio), Professor Stefano Pascucci (University of Exeter), Dr Alessandra Pesce (CREA), and Professor Fred Yamoah (Buckinghamshire New University), in a compelling discussion moderated by Valentina Hargrave of DEFRA.

Speaker Dr Luca Cacciolatti is a lead researcher on one of IHUL’s current projects and is a member of the University’s Westminster Business School.

The dialogue addressed the challenges involved in directing efforts in farming and food production, covering aspects such as incentivisation, the need for improved governance and the potential for new technologies to improve sustainable practice. Alignment and differences in challenges between the UK and Italy were highlighted by Jonathan Baker (DEFRA) and Alessandra Pesce (Centre for Agricultural Research and Analysis of Agricultural Economics – CREA).

We extend our sincere thanks to all the hosts, speakers, and participants for their commitment to advancing this essential global conversation.