Sustainable Food: Production and Processing
Course details
Course start date
- 29 April 2026
- 7 October 2026
Format
Online, tutor assessed
Length
8 weeks online, 7–10 hours per week
Price
CPD
Approximately 66 learning hours
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) courses are delivered in collaboration with digital education provider GetSmarter. GetSmarter is owned by 2U, LLC. This link will take you to the GetSmarter Website.
About the course
The Sustainable Food: Production and Processing online short course from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) equips professionals to drive resilient, equitable food systems in an increasingly complex global context. Delivered over eight weeks online, the course explores the changes needed at micro, meso, and macro levels to transform how food is produced, processed, and consumed. Guided by expert CISL faculty, participants examine innovative business models, technologies, and supply‑chain practices, and develop practical strategies for embedding sustainability within their organisations or sectors. Through peer‑centred live sessions and discussions, learners leave with a personalised action plan to lead meaningful change across the food system.
Is the Sustainable Food course for you?
This course is designed for professionals working in any part of the food system, from farming, production and processing to retail, finance and policy. If you are involved in making decisions about how food is grown, sourced, processed, packaged, labelled, distributed, regulated, marketed or consumed, this course will help you understand the changes reshaping the sector and what they mean for your organisation.
Growers, farmers, landholders, agricultural engineers or technicians and agronomists will learn practical ways to strengthen resilience, improve resource efficiency, and deliver nutritious, affordable and renewable food.
Manufacturers, retailers or food service providers such as supply chain managers, procurement teams, food and beverage managers, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs will explore innovative business models and value creation throughout the supply chain to support commercial and sustainability performance.
Professionals in finance, consulting, marketing, advocacy or policymakers will gain a clear understanding of the trends, risks and opportunities shaping the future of food. You will explore how investment, regulation, incentives and public expectations influence the pace of change, and how to work with others to unlock progress.
What will set you apart
On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:
- A sound understanding of how the food system is changing and the most urgent challenges to long-term food security.
- Practical insights into innovative technologies, new business models and market opportunities that strengthen resilience, reduce environmental impacts and create additional value throughout the supply chain.
- An ambitious Personal Action Plan with practical steps to support sustainable food transformation in your role, team or organisation, fine-tuned and strengthened through collaboration with your peers.
- A broader network of sustainability professionals across the food system and meaningful peer relationships that strengthen your connection with the wider Cambridge community.
- Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.
Course convenors
The design and delivery of this course is guided by CISL faculty and industry experts who will share their experience and in-depth subject knowledge with you throughout the course.
- David Farrell- Senior Associate, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, and Chief Executive Officer, Blue North Sustainability
- Martin Roberts- Sustainability and education specialist and former Director of Digital Learning, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Sustainable Food Production and Processing
MODULE 1: The rapidly changing context of food
MODULE 2: A new sustainable food future
MODULE 3: New business models and approaches for sustainable food
MODULE 4: Embedding sustainability into food supply chains
MODULE 5: Innovations in sustainable food production and processing
MODULE 6: Leading transformational change in your context
MODULE 7: Developing your sustainable food personal action plan
MODULE 8: Collaborating to create sustainable food systems
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Delivered in collaboration with GetSmarter
The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is collaborating with digital education provider GetSmarter to provide an interactive and supported online learning experience. Enter your information below to learn more about the Sustainable Leadership Executive Programme, including receiving the course prospectus from GetSmarter.
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