Net Zero Council drives food transition progress
20 March 2026The Net Zero Council brought government, industry and civil society together to review the food system Net Zero Transition Plan and accelerate progress.
The agrifood sector took centre stage on 25 February 2026 as one of the UK Government’s Net Zero Council’s chosen sectors for a deep dive — a clear signal of its strategic importance in delivering the UK’s climate ambitions. The Net Zero Council is a partnership between government, business and civil society, providing strategic leadership on Net Zero by supporting sectors across the economy in developing Sector Transition Plans.
The session consisted of a constructive discussion centred on the work that was IGD led, with WRAP and EY on behalf of the sector to develop the A Net Zero Transition Plan for the UK Food System; and chaired by Lee McDonough, Director General, Net Zero Nuclear and International, at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The aim being to bridge the gap between government, industry and civil society, identify barriers to delivery, and agree priority actions to unlock progress at pace. Government representatives highlighted the strength of the technical plan and endorsed the engagement approach that underpinned its development. Following an overview of the technical plan delivered by David Kennedy, an assessment of the plan, against the Broadway Initiative Sector Transition Plan Guidance released in October 2025 was shared. This highlighted two areas for development - An assessment of the technical plan with the 2025 Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan, and the development of a finance plan as per Sector Transition Plan Guidance. The whole system representation created a rare opportunity to align perspectives and accelerate progress on the UK’s net zero transition. The main outcomes of the session were the commitment to develop a finance plan with particular focus on how the agricultural transition will be financed with the support of the Transition Finance Council; a deeper consultation with farmers, whilst avoiding duplication enabling broader representation; and a second deep dive session has been confirmed for September.
It was great to see representatives from right across the food sector, civic society, trade unions and crucially across government coming together to review the agrifood Sector Transition Plan to Net Zero. At Co-op we have long said that a faster and fairer transition to Net Zero will only be possible through collaboration of exactly this nature.
Securing healthy, sustainable food that is accessible and affordable to all could not be more urgent, as is securing the resilience of our food system. We look forward to continuing to support this vital work through the Net Zero Council and beyond.
— Andrew Weston, Head of Public Affairs (Food) The Co-operative Group
Key themes and emerging priorities
The deep dive surfaced several crosscutting themes that will shape the next phase of work across government, industry and civil society.
1. Agriculture | 2. Packaging | 3. Food Waste | 4. Heat | 5. Electricity | 6. Refrigerant | 7. Domestic Transport | 8. Population diet change |
A table highlighting the eight key levers for emissions reduction in the food system.
The table below highlights the key emissions reduction levers and based on their prioritisation and uniqueness to the food system; they can be defined as primary, secondary and tertiary. The agricultural transition and population diet change remain the most material levers, given their breadth and complexity.
1. Farmer engagement
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs discussed the updated Sustainable Farming Incentive programme, announced at the NFU conference and the programme’s role in incentivising on farm practice change. However, a consistent message across the session was the need to involve farmers more effectively in shaping the transition. Participants agreed that policy frameworks must better reflect real‑world farm experience.
To address this, IGD and FFCC will develop a structured farmer consultation process, with outputs feeding into the next deep dive in September. IGD’s value case for farm baselining contains an example of meaningful engagement — demonstrating the importance of practical, on‑farm insight in shaping credible transition pathways and supporting the agricultural transitions outlined in the Technical Plan.
2. Expanding metrics beyond carbon
The assessment identified evidence gaps in methane suppression, ruminant diets, carbon modelling and carbon removals. Participants also stressed the opportunity to broaden the metrics used to guide decision‑making. Health, resilience and nature were highlighted as essential indicators that should sit alongside carbon.
This aligns with IGD’s climate risk modelling work, which blends emissions reduction, mitigation and risk management to incentivise change. IGD will consolidate sector input on broader metrics ahead of the September session.
3. Strengthening financial models and incentives
While capital flow mechanisms appear viable, operational barriers persist. Data gaps, unclear revenue models and misaligned policy frameworks continue to limit investment. Revenue stacking and long‑term funding structures remain unresolved challenges.
To accelerate progress, a newly formed Sector Transition Plan working group — bringing together the Transition Finance Council’s Working Group 2 and key Net Zero Council members — will reconvene to assess the finance plan within A Net Zero Transition Plan for the UK Food System, with specific focus on financing the agricultural transition.
4. Improving data quality, standards and flows
The need for consistent, standardised data across the agriculture sector was one of the strongest points of consensus. Fragmented datasets, inconsistent methodologies and limited data access continue to hinder decision‑making, finance and operational planning. The discussion also referenced the importance of a single data vision for the UK, exemplified by initiatives such as Project FIG, which is testing data‑sharing infrastructure and governance models for the agrifood sector. A more coherent data ecosystem will be essential to support finance, operations and policy design.
5. Reframing communication and behaviour change
Reframing the transition around the benefits, broader than emissions mitigation, for example supply chain resilience, improved health outcomes and sustainable land management was discussed as a more positive steer as opposed to the sole use of ‘net zero’. Stronger storytelling and long‑term supply chain partnerships will be essential to build confidence and momentum.
IGD and WRAP will explore how to reframe the narrative ahead of the September session, combining this work with insights from the farmer consultation process.
6. Aligning standards for agricultural imports
Participants highlighted the need for stronger standards on agricultural imports to ensure they align with the UK’s net zero and sustainability ambitions. Department of Energy Security and Net Zero and Department of Business and Trade will take forward this work, recognising that domestic progress must be matched by consistent expectations for imported goods.
Looking ahead: A second deep dive in September
To maintain momentum, a second agrifood deep dive will take place in September confirmed by the Net Zero Council with the same group of attendees to ensure continuity. The session aims to review the progress on farmer engagement, data standards and broader metrics, financial mechanisms and population diet change.
IGD will continue to play an active role in shaping the next phase of work, supporting the sector with evidence, insight and practical tools to accelerate progress.