A Life in Agricultural Economics at the University of Guelph
Professor Emeritus Thomas Francis Funk passed away on March 29, 2026. He served as a cornerstone of the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE) at the University of Guelph for more than three decades, leaving a lasting legacy of academic excellence, professional leadership, and dedication to students.
For more than a decade, Ontario farmers, policymakers, investors, and agricultural professionals have relied on the Ontario Farmland Value and Rental Value Survey for insights into farmland prices, rental rates, and market dynamics across the province. The lack of publicly available information on farmland rental rates was one of the primary drivers behind the first survey in 2016.
Congratulations to Professor Yu Na Lee
On behalf of the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE), we are delighted to congratulate Professor Yu Na Lee on being awarded both the 2025 SSHRC Insight Grant (IG) and the Insight Development Grant (IDG). This exceptional achievement reflects Professor Lee’s scholarly excellence and the profound relevance and impact of her research.
The Ontario Agricultural College’s Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE) is welcoming three new faculty members whose work examines some of the biggest challenges facing food systems today: how food gets from farm to table, how climate change is affecting agriculture and communities, and how environmental and agricultural policy can better protect natural resources and improve human welfare.
The 16th Annual Canadian Agri‑Food Policy Conference (CAPC) in Ottawa brought together a remarkable group of FARE faculty, students, and alumni, once again demonstrating the depth, talent, and impact of our community. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and contributions.
Celebrating Leadership and Service
When Natalia Piedrahita began her studies at the University of Guelph’s Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE), she never imagined her research would one day shape conversations at the Africa Food Systems Forum. Today, as a gender economist working with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, her work is influencing how governments, researchers, and organizations think about the future of food systems, particularly through the lens of women and youth.
Sanctions target ruling elites with economic pressure instead of weapons. Yet they often come with unintended consequences, as they raise food prices and harm vulnerable populations. A concern raised by Dr. S. Kwaku Afesorgbor in his new article in The Conversation.
After two weeks of heavy foot traffic,recent FARE graduate Tim Shuh of Shuh Orchards in West Montrose, Ont., reports as many as 500 pounds of apples have been stolen, prompting the farm to ban wagons, strollers and backpacks. Agritourism Ontario says many farms are having a similar issue with theft.
Read in CBC News: https://apple.news/Afu0uGcbXTbOhIH9-aAl9yg
Economic sanctions are widely viewed by academics and policymakers as a better alternative to military interventions to pressure governments to change objectionable policies. The idea is simple: instead of using weapons, squeeze the ruling elite economically until they change their behaviour.
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.