Sustainable Food: Production and Processing

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.

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CISL's courses are delivered in collaboration with digital education provider GetSmarter, a brand of 2U, Inc. This link will take you to their site.
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Course start date

  • 7 October 2026

Format

  • Online, tutor assessed

Length

  • 8 weeks online, 7–10 hours per week

CPD

  • Approximately 66 learning hours

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.

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

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

What will set you apart

On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:

  1. A sound understanding of how the food system is changing and the most urgent challenges to long-term food security.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. A broader network of sustainability professionals across the food system and meaningful peer relationships that strengthen your connection with the wider Cambridge community.
  5. Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.

CISL Connect: Online live sessions

CISL has developed three bonus CISL Connect: Online Live Sessions for all students joining any of our ten business sustainability leadership courses. Through these sessions, you’ll get direct access to CISL's leading voices on today’s most urgent business topics – competitiveness, AI and resilience.  This format gives you the chance to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas with a far broader global network of professionals beyond your cohort.

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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.