Researchers from Bristol and Nottingham launch new social venture to tackle food waste and support small-scale farmers

A ground-breaking new social venture company has been launched by researchers at the University of Bristol and the University of Nottingham to help farmers sell surplus produce to community-based buyers including food banks, social supermarkets and small food producers across the UK.

The new company, Circular Agriculture Hub, has now been incorporated and received £40,000 in seed funding from ImpactU to accelerate its development. The initiative is the result of a long-standing academic collaboration between Dr Lucy McCarthy, Associate Professor at the University of Bristol Business School, and Professor Anne Touboulic, Professor of Socio-Ecological Systems at Nottingham University Business School.

Each year, around seven percent of food intended for consumption is wasted on farms, while millions face food insecurity. By connecting small and medium-sized farmers with buyers who can make use of surplus or imperfect produce — such as mis-sized vegetables or cosmetically damaged fruit — the Circular Agriculture Hub aims to reduce waste and redistribute food more equitably.

Farmers can list surplus produce on the Hub platform; community organisations and other buyers can express interest or make offers; and transactions are completed directly, with flexibility and negotiation at the core. Initially launching as a brokerage-style offline service, the platform will be developed into a digital tool, helping to scale operations and extend reach nationally — and, potentially, internationally.

Dr McCarthy said: “We are thrilled to have launched Circular Agriculture Hub Ltd. This project brings together our research on sustainable food systems with the real-world needs of farmers and communities. By building new relationships between producers and buyers, we hope to shift how food is valued and distributed, supporting both people and planet.”

Professor Anne Touboulic added: “This venture is about challenging the status quo. The dominant food system is failing too many — especially small-scale farmers. Our collaborative research shows how new economic models can support sustainable practices while addressing food insecurity. Circular Agriculture Hub is a step towards that change.”

Professor Brian Squire, Dean of the University of Bristol Business School, said: “At the University of Bristol Business School, we are committed to interdisciplinary research that creates positive change in the world. The launch of Circular Agriculture Hub Ltd. is a perfect example of this approach – working collaboratively to address a stubborn and significant challenge for both the environment and society. Well done Lucy and Anne.”

This new social venture reflects the universities’ shared commitment to research-led innovation, social and environmental impact, and long-term academic partnerships. The company builds on foundational research and early support from ARC Accelerate, and has been nurtured by the University of Bristol’s Research Commercialisation team alongside fantastic support from Nottingham Technology Ventures.