Big Tent Event - 'Ask the Expert' breakout sessions

On the 18th September 2025, the LUNZ Hub hosted a ‘Big Tent Event’ in Venue Cymru, Llandudno. As part of the event a series of ‘Ask the Expert’ breakout sessions explored the key topics below for a sustainable and just land-use transition.

Feed Additives

The session focused on the practical potential for feed additives to reduce methane emissions from ruminant systems), the evidence gaps, and barriers to on-farm adoption. The experts recognised the importance of feed additives as part of the ‘toolbox’ for decarbonising the livestock sector, but highlighted the challenges facing the widespread uptake of application due to the current relatively low cost-benefits for farm businesses.

There are also practical challenges facing the greater uptake of feed additives, and recent ‘bad press’ has slowed interest. However, overall, feed additives should play a role in supporting net zero objectives, especially post-2030.

Panel contributors: Ben Williams, Leprino Foods & Elizabeth Magowan, AFBI.
Chair: Prysor Willaims, Bangor University

Read the report here.

Shortening supply chains

How can food and farm supply chains can be shortened, making them more local and resilient. The conversation explored the economic, environmental, and social benefits of localising supply chains, alongside the practical barriers to scaling. Public procurement was used as a topic of reflection for a future opportunity, with a number of excellent trials and success stories already happening in Wales shared to inspire more opportunities to strengthen connections between producers and consumers.

Panel contributors: Pearl Costello, Food Sense Wales & Gary Mitchell, Powys County Council.
Chair: Alan Radbourne

Read the report here.

Vertical Farming

This session examined the role of vertical farming and other intensive indoor food production systems in the UK’s land-use and food strategy. While vertical farming is often presented as a high-tech solution to food security and sustainability, experts discussed the true opportunities, limitations, and how it might fit alongside conventional farming and local food systems.

Panel contributors: Steve & Laura Holland, Fresh and Tasty Microgreens & Ramin Ebrahimnejad, JHI.
Chair: Alan Radbourne

Read the report here.

Whole Farm System Thinking

This session explored how whole farm system thinking can reshape farming to deliver for business resilience, nature recovery, and climate. Rather than focusing on isolated practices, the discussion highlighted the importance of redesigning farming systems to integrate soil, crops, livestock, water, and markets in a joined-up way. Personal farmer experience and policy reflections combined to share insights into how this approach can be scaled across Wales and the UK.

Panel contributors: Huw Foulkes, Pentrefelin Farm & Andrew Tuddenham, Soil Association Cymru.
Chair: Prysor Williams, Bangor University

Read the report here.

Peatlands

Peatlands are a major terrestrial carbon store, yet are badly degraded, being a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. The discussion examined whether restoration can realistically deliver a significant contribution to net zero targets, given the complexity, costs and uncertainties involved. The key question posed was; what does success look like? Peatlands are critical for climate mitigation but restoration is not a “quick win”, with avoiding further loss the key rather than trying to rebuild carbon stocks in the short term. The difference between the impact of upland and lowland peat restoration and peatland management was discussed, alongside the multiple policy targets beyond carbon (nature recovery, water, flood mitigation) that restoration of peat contributes towards.

Panel contributors: Rachel Harvey, Eryri National Park Authority & Jennifer Williamson, UKCEH.
Chair: Bridget Emmett, UKCEH

Read the report here.