Our Work
Root and Reason is working to build a resilient food system that is prepared, empowered, and equitable, where change happens with people, not to them.
From long-term strategic thinking to practical tools and resources, our work is designed to inform, connect and enable change across the food system.
How we work
Three pillars describe how we have chosen to work. They describe the ways we operate that make real and meaningful contributions to food system transformation. These are the key to lasting change and each depends on the others.
An independent voice
Our work focuses on independent and evidence-informed analysis. And from this work, we develop practical tools that aid decision makers and practitioners in applying that analysis to their challenges.
The bridge
We build connections and relationships between groups as an essential part of what we do. We bring people together across sectors, disciplines, and perspectives, to navigate complex trade-offs and align on action.
Democratising solutions
We embed lived and living experience in decision-making, ensuring those most affected shape choices and solutions. We recognise that transformation designed with people is more effective, legitimate, and durable than transformation imposed upon them.
Key messages
Our work
The AFN Network+ has become Root and Reason, the food resilience collective. We believe action must be grounded in robust evidence, and will continue to draw on our previous research as we pursue our new mission.
Roadmap for Resilience
Our Roadmap for Resilience sets out what a prepared, equitable UK food system could look like and calls for transformation at a scale and pace not seen since the Second World War. Developed with over 150 partners, it takes a whole-systems view — connecting production, land use, supply chains and diet — and charts a phased pathway from today to 2050.
2050 Scenarios Report
Our 2050 Scenarios report asks what the UK food system might look like in 2050, and what policy and research choices will shape it. Drawing on expertise from defense, intelligence, trade, and technology as well as the food system itself, we set out four possible futures and their implications for policymakers, businesses and communities.
Future Food Calculator
An open-source Future Food Calculator, developed with the FixOurFood team at the University of York lets users model how different policy and practice choices affect emissions, land use and food security. A slider-based interface makes system-wide trade-offs explorable: from diets and production to afforestation and agricultural practice.
Explore the Roadmap
Download the full Roadmap
Access the complete report, including detailed analysis and supporting research.
File type: PDF | File size: 12.24 MB
Download the summary report
A shorter overview of key insights and findings from the Roadmap.
File type: PDF | File size: 10.3 MB
Explore our resource hub
From long-term strategic thinking to practical tools and resources, our work is designed to inform, connect and enable change across the food system.
