About the Department of Food, Agricultural & Resource Economics

Welcome to the Department of Food, Agricultural, and Resource Economics at Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph. As Chair, I am delighted to welcome all our future, new, and returning students. Your presence and contributions are integral to our department’s success. Working alongside you, our dedicated and talented faculty, students, and staff, has been a joy.

To our undergraduate students, I hope you realize how powerful and robust economics and business principles are in tackling issues in the food, agriculture, and resources industries. Whether you are interested in agricultural economics and agribusiness, food economics, resource economics, environmental economics, or the economics of agricultural development, FARE has much to offer. Our faculty research covers many topics, and our graduate students write about everything from environmental concerns to climate change, making a significant impact on a global scale.  If you are passionate about policies affecting food, agriculture, resources, and the environment or addressing global poverty and rural issues, then FARE is for you. If you are curious about the causes of food insecurity, hunger or agricultural trade, FARE is the right place. Understanding the global economy is key to improving life, and we are passionate about providing you with opportunities to engage in real economic research that can make a difference.

Graduate students, I hope you find joy in economic research in food, agriculture and resource/environment. The thrill of discovering new ideas and facts is one of the greatest pleasures. Remember, we learn best by interacting with others. FARE is lucky to have a diverse group of graduate students from many countries and cultures, which we see as an asset. With a thriving agri-food sector offering abundant job opportunities, this is an exciting time to study Food, Agriculture, and Resource Economics. Whether you are pursuing a thesis-based Master of Science, a Ph.D., or a course-based Master’s in FARE, you will find a welcoming and supportive community here dedicated to making a difference in the world.

FARE is more than just an academic institution; it is a community. We are proud of our exceptional teachers and the strong, collegial relationships we build with our students. Our faculty are deeply engaged with students, offering significant one-on-one mentorship and opportunities for collaboration, often leading to co-authored publications. In our department, graduate students are treated as colleagues, and we foster a supportive environment that encourages academic and personal growth. We want you to feel at home here, to spend time in our building, and join in on conversations in our seminar rooms. Share your research ideas with us, especially when they are just beginning to take shape. Build good connections with your classmates and support the students you teach. Teaching FARE undergrads is an honour, and I am always available if you need anything. Talk to us if you ever face challenges—we are here to help. Our staff is also here to support you, and we are committed to making your experience at FARE as smooth and rewarding as possible.

FARE is not just about thinking big; it is about doing so with a deep sense of compassion and commitment to Improving Life. Our research addresses various food, agriculture, and resource use issues that directly impact our everyday lives. From evaluating farmland, innovation and agricultural practices to understanding what drives consumer choices in grocery stores, our work is at the intersection of local and global challenges. We have contributed significantly to worldwide food, agricultural, and environmental policies and business strategies. Deep in our DNA is the belief that economic and business principles can solve many of humanity’s pressing problems - food insecurity, water insecurity, energy insecurity, climate change, environmental degradation, hunger, poverty and inequality. I share that belief and hope you do, too. We invite you to explore our programs and join us in addressing some of the most critical issues facing today’s world.

History of the Food, Agricultural & Resource Economics

Since its creation in 1907 the Department of Agricultural Economics and Business has excelled in research, teaching and service in the economics of food systems. While early work focused on farm management, through the years the focus has broadened to include the study of issues related to trade, policy, resources and new technologies. The scope of study has also grown to incorporate all parts of the food system from farm to fork. Teaching responsibilities have expanded from traditional courses in agricultural economics to include a variety of business courses in accounting, marketing, operations and strategy. The delivery of courses now includes distance offerings and short courses.

Today the Department's mandate includes service to students at the University of Guelph and Canadian and International Policy institutions and Agri-Food sectors. The building which houses the Agricultural Economics and Business department is named in honour of the University's first president, John Douglas MacLachlan. In 1950 he became OAC President and for ten years worked to expand the importance of his college for Canada and the world by promoting scientific research, both on campus and through extension projects. During the 1960s Dr. MacLachlan played a central role in establishing the University of Guelph: he helped to formulate the vision that brought together the University’s three founding colleges – OAC, the Ontario Veterinary College and Macdonald Institute – and in 1964 became the first president The Department places a strong emphasis on teaching excellence and faculty members have won numerous teaching awards. Similarly, faculty and graduate students have received national and international awards for their research. The result is that "Guelph is considered the top Canadian graduate program in agricultural economics." (Perry, 2000). The atmosphere around the Department is informal and collegial. It is a friendly and stimulating environment for both faculty and students.