Features | Ontario Agricultural College

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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.

Cara McCreary cheerfully smiles while standing in a greenhouse.

Protecting Ontario’s Food: Ridgetown Alumna Leads Innovation in Greenhouse Pest Management

Having robust and comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) is essential to protecting crops and supporting a strong, sustainable food system in Ontario. U of G Ridgetown Campus alumna Cara McCreary is at the forefront of protecting Ontario’s food supply and has dedicated her career to advancing pest control strategies in controlled environments.

A group of students stand in a greenhouse research facility surrounded by tomato plants.

Sustainable Agriculture Program Launches with Hands-On Summer Experiences at Ridgetown Campus

The Ontario Agricultural College’s new Master’s in Sustainable Agriculture (MSAg) program launched this summer at the Ridgetown Campus, welcoming its first cohort of students from across the globe. They began their studies with a practical, hands-on semester in southwestern Ontario, engaging directly with the region’s dynamic agri-food sector.

a photo of oac alumni outside smiling for camera

OAC Alumni Rally Across Generations in the Decade Challenge 

OAC alumni from the 1970s won the OAC Alumni Decade Challenge, a friendly competition pitting decades of graduates against one another. Held as part of OAC’s 150th anniversary celebrations, the challenge highlighted both OAC pride and the enduring tradition of giving back that has shaped the College since its earliest days. 

At the heart of the friendly competition was a shared commitment: supporting students — today and tomorrow — as they learn, lead and make an impact in agriculture, food, communities and the environment. 

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