Abstract
We urgently need to foster regenerative food systems that mutually reinforce human and ecological
health. However, we have limited understanding of the action pathways that could encourage the
emergence of such systems. Here we report on an extensive Three Horizons futures process,
conducted with diverse participation from food system researchers and practitioners, to identify core
domains of action for transforming the Yorkshire food system towards a regenerative future. After establishing the contrast between the current degenerative and envisioned future regenerative food
system, six core action domains were identified that required support to enable transformation: 1)
enhancing supply chain connectivity and innovation to support diverse hybrid business ecosystems;
2) scaling environmentally beneficial and regenerative farming; 3) empowering citizens to reshape
food demand; 4) providing trusted, accessible knowledge support for standards and incentives; 5)
supporting schools and young people as drivers of long-term change; and 6) ensuring coordination
and mutual support across domains. Our results highlight the importance of efforts to cohere
synergic action, ambitious visioning, and addressing power imbalances. Overall, our study sets an
ambitious standard for co-developing action priorities to encourage regenerative futures.
health. However, we have limited understanding of the action pathways that could encourage the
emergence of such systems. Here we report on an extensive Three Horizons futures process,
conducted with diverse participation from food system researchers and practitioners, to identify core
domains of action for transforming the Yorkshire food system towards a regenerative future. After establishing the contrast between the current degenerative and envisioned future regenerative food
system, six core action domains were identified that required support to enable transformation: 1)
enhancing supply chain connectivity and innovation to support diverse hybrid business ecosystems;
2) scaling environmentally beneficial and regenerative farming; 3) empowering citizens to reshape
food demand; 4) providing trusted, accessible knowledge support for standards and incentives; 5)
supporting schools and young people as drivers of long-term change; and 6) ensuring coordination
and mutual support across domains. Our results highlight the importance of efforts to cohere
synergic action, ambitious visioning, and addressing power imbalances. Overall, our study sets an
ambitious standard for co-developing action priorities to encourage regenerative futures.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 35 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 12 Apr 2024 |
Publication series
| Name | SSRN - Elsevier |
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| ISSN (Print) | 1556-5068 |