News related to Department of Food Agricultural and Resource Economics | Ontario Agricultural College

News related to Department of Food Agricultural and Resource Economics

natalia sitting on a bench on campus

Championing Women and Youth in Agri-Food: OAC Alumna Natalia Piedrahita’s Global Impact

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.

Jane and Tom Funk stand behind a sunset smiling while holding up their Distinguished Teaching Awards (from the OAC)).

The Legacy of Tom and Jane Funk: Shaping Leaders in Agri-Marketing

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.

Chris Kimmerer and Nicholas Bannon smiling for a photo together.

OAC Agri-Food Economics Grads Examine How Climate Change Impacts Farmland Values

Climate change is reshaping farmland - influencing crop yields, water availability, overall productivity and land values. Understanding these changes is crucial for farmers, policymakers, and economists alike. Two recent graduates of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) have published their research in the Journal of Land Economics, exploring the impact that climate change might have on farmland values – the results are surprising.

two farmers in a sheep barn

Celebrating Canada's Agriculture Day

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.

Five U of G Agricultural Economics Students happily talking.

U of G Agricultural Economics Students Tackle Food Price Challenges in New Industry-Focused Course.

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. 

News Archive