Participant Information Sheet
Project title: AFN Network+ BCBC industry survey
Consent agreement
By ticking the consent box on the online survey, you are confirming that:
You have read and understand the information contained in this document explaining the research project, and have had any questions about the project answered to your satisfaction.
You understand your participation is voluntary and you are free to withdraw without giving any reason and without any negative consequences – NOTE: because your data is being collected anonymously, your responses cannot be withdrawn once submitted.
Should you not wish to answer any question or questions in the survey, you are free to skip them if they do not require an answer, or free to withdraw from the survey if they do and you do not wish to answer them. Any partial data captured which is not submitted will be deleted from all data held.
Your survey data is anonymised and so will not be identified or identifiable in the report/s or publications that result from the research. Your anonymised data may be shared with stakeholders as described in this document. If the research is published, we may also be required to share the data as part of the publication process.
You agree that the (de-identified) research data collected from you and other participants can be shared for future research and teaching, as explained later in this document.
You understand that relevant sections of the data collected during the study may be looked at by auditors from and on behalf of the University of Leeds. On this basis, you agree to take part in this research project.
Participant Information Sheet: further details about this survey
What is the purpose of this project? The aim of our AFN Network+ project is to shape the next decade of research to support and drive the agri-food sector’s progress towards net zero. The AFN Network+ brings together more than 2,500 people from across UK agri-food to identify the key research gaps which need to be addressed if we are to reduce emissions in the sector and achieve the UK’s transition towards net zero by 2050.
The Network is a unique collaboration between academics, researchers, third sector organisations, policy makers, and agri-food industry professionals, including farmers and retailers. Our research is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and findings will inform UKRI investments over the next decade.
This survey is part of the project, and aimed at gathering input from farmers primarily, but also the wider farming industry, on their perceptions and attitudes towards the role of breeding to reduce emissions. Madeleine Post is running this survey on behalf of the AFN Champions.
Why would we like you to take part? Because as a farmer, manager, farm worker, or member of the wider farming industry, you are a stakeholder in the agri-food system, and your opinions matter. However, it is up to you to decide to take part, and you are free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason – simply leave the survey and incomplete data will be deleted.
Can you withdraw from the survey after submission? Because your data will be collected anonymously, your responses cannot be identified and withdrawn once they are submitted.
What about confidentiality and anonymity? This survey is anonymous, and no personal details of any participants will be shared, stored long term or identified in any subsequent reporting or publishing of the survey findings.
How your data will be used and protected? We will treat data that you provide in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, which enacts the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and any subsequent data protection legislation.
The Research Privacy Notice at the University, issued by the University of Leeds, explains what individual rights are afforded under the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) and who to contact with any queries or concerns. The anonymous information collected may be shared with the other Champions, and the wider AFN Network+ research team, or used to inform the development of further research.
What are the benefits and risks of taking part? Benefits: supports inclusive activities to build net zero pathways for the UK agri-food system, and ensures farmers’ voices are heard in the debate. Risks: we do not foresee or anticipate any; you can drop out at any time.
What will happen to the results of the research study? The research will be shared via industry media, particularly Farmers Weekly, and possibly in academic journals, books or reports as well.
Who has ethically approved this research? The project has been reviewed and approved by University of Leeds Faculty of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee.
If you have further questions or requests for information, you can contact: Madeleine Post Email: mpost@abacusbio.com