Local authorities' capacity to advance climate action in the food and farming sectors

Abstract The mitigation measures needed in the face of climate change require transformation in the production and consumption of food. This paper examines local authorities' role in driving practical transformation in the food and farming sectors at the local level, reflecting on the complexity of these sectors and the implications for the effective sub‐national delivery of climate goals. A policy review identified food and farming‐related actions occurring in a two‐tier local authority in England. Local authority staff were invited to one of four workshops to reflect on ongoing activity and to identify actions that have implementation potential and those that are beyond the remit and/or resource of local authorities. The workshops demonstrated participants' ambition to support mitigation measures that foster resilient food systems and deliver co‐benefits to local residents. We argue that, despite their constrained capacity, local authorities are well‐placed to develop innovative climate solutions relevant to local need. This capacity to deliver climate action should continue to be supported, including through national recognition of the innovative delivery approaches examined in this research.