JUSTLANZ

Just transformation of food-farming systems: reconciling net zero and other land-use ambitions.

JUSTLANZ aims to develop transformative pathways for a just transition to net zero for the UK food- farming sector, considering local, regional and national priorities. Working with livestock farmers and their communities, the food-farming sector, policy makers, academics and conservation organisations, JUSTLANZ integrates different knowledges, views and values to co-design, and develop innovative and sustainable solutions and pathways in four UK pastoral landscapes. Ultimately, JUSTLANZ tests how a transdisciplinary, holistic research approach can realise sustainable transitions.

Our research explores how to achieve Net Zero justly, whilst achieving and balancing priorities such as food production, biodiversity restoration and people’s needs in agricultural landscapes. The project combines policy-driven land use scenario models, climate data and future visions from food- farming communities to co-create “preferred” scenarios that attempt to reconcile land-use demands. We will examine the impact of different scenarios on carbon stocks and greenhouse gas emissions, agricultural productivity, biodiversity and justice.

Finally, transformative pathways towards these “preferred” futures will be co-developed with food-farming communities and other stakeholders, to ensure solutions can effect change throughout the whole UK food-farming system. JUSTLANZ will transform current land-use scientific knowledge through innovative research focused on tackling real-world societal challenges, laying the foundations for broader, just and sustained transformative change in all four UK nations.