News related to Department of Food Agricultural and Resource Economics

For more than three decades, retired OAC professors Tom and Jane Funk played an instrumental role in shaping the future of agricultural business education at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). As dedicated educators, mentors, and innovators, their careers were defined by a shared passion for student success and a tireless commitment to bridging the gap between learning and real-world applications.

Now, with a generous gift of $50,000, Tom and Jane are continuing their legacy by establishing the Tom & Jane Funk Agri-Marketing Bursary to support OAC students in the Bachelor of Commerce (Food and Agricultural Business) program, awarded based on financial need.

Dr. John Cranfield, a respected and long-standing member of the University of Guelph’s faculty, has been named the new dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC).  

The University of Guelph's Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is at the forefront of shaping a stronger, more sustainable food and agricultural system. With a 150-year legacy of developing leaders in agriculture and food, OAC takes a holistic approach to addressing the sector's most pressing challenges by integrating social, scientific, and business perspectives. As we celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day, we honor the farmers, food producers, and innovators who ensure Canadians have access to safe, nutritious, and abundant food. From advancing soil health and environmental sustainability to improving food supply chains, OAC’s faculty, students and alumni are making remarkable strides to strengthen Canada’s agri-food system and inspire the next generation of leaders in this vital industry.

Two MSc students from OAC's Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE) have been recognized for their exceptional achievements at the 15th Annual Agri-food Policy Conference in Ottawa.

U of G masters students provided key insights on food price dynamics and supply chain challenges to the Chief Economist of the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness through a unique master’s level consultancy course in the Ontario Agricultural College. The course helped build students’ professional and technical skills while helping inform key agri-food policymakers. 

President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all products from Canada and Mexico, alleging both countries have failed to curb the inflow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the United States. This policy is set to take effect once Trump assumes office in January. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is meeting with the premiers on Wednesday to discuss a response.

OAC Alumnus Aaron Lorenz Uses Agricultural Economics to Tackle Food Security and Social Inequities. 

How can we preserve farmland while accommodating housing, industry, and other needs for Canada's growing population? And how can producers meet rising food demands while also protecting the environment?

Over 700 members of the OAC community came together on Saturday night to celebrate the College’s 150th anniversary during U of G’s annual Alumni Reunion Weekend. The OAC Celebration Dinner, held in the U of G’s Guelph Gryphon’s Athletic Centre gave a chance for alumni to reconnect with classmates and alumni throughout the decades in an atmosphere that resembled OAC’s infamous “Good Times Banquet.”