IFST Oxford Food Summit 2026: Driving Food System Change

Keynote Speaker: Dr Tara Garnett - TABLE, University of Oxford

Tara is a researcher at the University of Oxford, and the Director of TABLE. TABLE explores visions for the future of food, and provides a platform for interdisciplinary knowledge and dialogue. 

Tara’s work centres on the interactions among food, climate, health and broader sustainability issues; she has a particular interest in livestock as a sector where many of these converge. She is also interested in how knowledge is communicated to and interpreted by policy makers, civil society organisations and industry, and in the values that these different stakeholders bring to food problems and possible solutions. Tara is keen to collaborate through TABLE with other organisations to undertake research, organise events and build and extend interdisciplinary, intersectoral knowledge in this field.

Alex Guest - Group Compliance & Sustainability Manager, J R Dalziel Ltd

Alex has over 33 years’ experience in the food industry working across mainly ambient manufacturing and for the last 14 an Ingredients business. He is a fellow of IFST and is Chair of both the Scientific Committee and Northern branch and sits as an active member of the Sustainability and Policy committees. He started his career as a Junior Microbiologist before working his way through Quality, Hygiene and Technical Manager roles dealing with all major retailers, caterers, and manufacturers before coming his current role that looks after both Compliance & Sustainability within a family Ingredients & Sundries business. He likes to give back to the industry knowledge and to support members in developing their careers.

Kirsty Adams - Head of NPD & Innovation, Cranswick 

Kirsty has spent over 15 years in the food industry, specialising in fresh food innovation. As a company Cranswick is passionate about improving the nation’s health and believe manufacturers have a key role to play in making better choices easier for everyone. One of their main areas of focus is developing natural protein sources using simple, store-cupboard ingredients—creating fresher, better food that helps nourish the nation.

Rick Mumford - Deputy Chief Scientific Advisor (dCSA), Food Standards Agency

Rick Mumford is deputy Chief Science Advisory (dCSA) and Deputy Director of Science & Research at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), where he co-leads a multi-disciplinary team of over 160 scientists, providing risk assessment and scientific evidence to support UK food safety and standards. Current areas of focus including foodborne disease, AMR and surveillance. A virologist and molecular biologist by training, he has over 30 years’ experience, as both an applied scientist (focusing on diagnostics, biosecurity and agrifood innovation), and as a science leader, including senior roles up to executive level. An author on over 80 scientific publications, Rick is a Visiting Professor of Practice at Newcastle University.

More speakers to be announced