Understanding the Net Zero Transition Plan

The food system is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making up 30% of total territorial emissions in the UK. To meet the UK’s legally binding decarbonisation targets and align with the global 1.5°C ambition, the UK food system must undergo significant and coordinated transformation. 

In 2024, EY, IGD, and WRAP collaborated to develop the UK Food System Net Zero Transition Plan. The aim was to create a robust evidence base to show what it would take for the sector to reach net zero, facilitating a system-wide focus on key actions and highlighting gaps and dependencies that need to be collectively addressed. 

Purpose of the Net Zero Transition Plan for the UK Food System

• Define a credible pathway for the food system to reduce emissions in line with science-based targets. 

• Provide an independent, evidence-based framework for identifying the actions and scale of change required across the sector. 

• Assess indicative system costs, and potential sources of funding 

• Suggest key policy dependencies and where industry collective action is needed. 

• Highlight trade-offs and potential implications for related areas such as nature recovery, nutrition, and land use. 

• While the challenge is substantial, the report concludes that the goal is achievable if there is urgent action, cross-sector collaboration, and sustained investment. Progress will depend on both supply-side innovation and shifts in consumer behaviour, supported by a coherent policy and regulatory environment. 

Key areas for transformation 

Deep cuts in emissions are required to meet SBTi targets and carbon budgets. The plan highlights the key opportunities for abatement on both the supply and demand side. 

1. Decarbonising the supply side 

• Accelerate adoption of low-carbon agricultural practices, including optimised fertiliser use, feed additives, and sustainable land management. 

• Energy decarbonisation through investment in renewables and nuclear, and grid expansion to support electrification of heat and transport 

• Focus on transport including fuel efficiency and low-carbon HGVs 

• Reduce emissions from packaging based on increased recycling, alternative materials and reuse 

• Replace old, polluting refrigerators and freezers with more modern low-emission technology 

2. Decarbonising the demand side 

• Achieve significant reductions in household food waste through consistent application of proven interventions. 

• Encourage dietary shifts towards lower-carbon, nutrient-rich foods that align with the principles of the Eatwell Guide. 

Policy requirements 

Delivering a net zero food system will require targeted and coordinated government support. The Net Zero Transition Plan included 19 specific asks for government to strengthen policies and incentives for: 

• agriculture in England and the devolved administrations 

• supply side intervention including investment in low-carbon heat and logistics, power sector decarbonisation and development of the hydrogen economy 

• and demand side intervention including mandatory food waste reporting.  

Collective action priorities 

The report emphasises that no single organisation can achieve net zero in isolation. System-wide collaboration will be essential to drive progress. The key areas for joint action are: 

1. Support farmers to adopt low-carbon practices through tailored incentives and facilitation. 

2. Convene stakeholders to align on the science of soil carbon and its implications for future transition planning. 

3. Finalise and implement deforestation-free commodity regulations, particularly for soy and other high-risk imports. 

4. Develop import standards to encourage low-carbon sourcing in global supply chains. 

5. Renew sector-wide commitment to food waste reduction using proven strategies. 

6. Establish a unified industry position on dietary change that reconciles health and net zero objectives. 

These actions are being coordinated by IGD and groups across the food system, ensuring alignment across existing forums, avoiding duplication, and accelerating implementation. 

Conclusions from the plan 

Achieving a net zero UK food system by 2050 will be a profound but achievable transformation. It will require coordinated leadership, supportive government policy, sustained investment, and shared accountability across the value chain. 

The report provides a shared foundation for collaboration across industry, government, and civil society, and is helping organisations benchmark their own transition plans against a system-wide model and identify opportunities to accelerate progress. 

Next steps, following the launch of the plan 

As we mark one year since launching the Net Zero Transition Plan, our focus is shifting from setting intentions to demonstrating real progress.  

IGD continues to work with the Net Zero Council and WRAP in consultation with the key trade organisations to develop an action framework for the food system to achieve Net Zero, inclusive of annual milestones and for release in early 2026. 

Take a look at the November 2025 Net Zero Transition Plan Progress Report that aims to share the latest updates and highlights from across the food system, with contributions from businesses, trade organisations and NGOs and others.