PhD in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (Thesis/Research)
Become a leader in food, agricultural and resource economics.
The PhD in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE) is offered through the Department of FARE with two key areas of study: 1) Food and agricultural economics, and 2) Natural resource and environmental economics. The program is focused on developing a fundamental understanding of economic principles and their application to agricultural, resource, rural and related issues through research. Problem identification, conceptualization skills, and communication skills are also an important area of development.
Best in Canada
Study in Canada’s top agricultural economics program in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph.
Elevate your impact
Broaden your career options by achieving a high-quality graduate degree and improve your ability to make a difference in the world.
Research-based studies
Alongside faculty members and other students, you will develop, conduct and publish impactful research in your area of plant interest.
Collegial environment
Join a department dedicated to providing you with a superior learning experience. You will be treated as a colleague, receive significant one-on-one attention and given challenging and rewarding opportunities.
Rigorous economics training
Receive a well-rounded education through a combination of economic theory, quantitative methods, agricultural economics subject matter and applied research experience.
Explore your options
Securing a faculty advisor is not required for application. You will select an advisor during the first two semesters of the program providing you time to explore your research and learning options.
- Methodologies of Econometrics
- International Food Sector and Policy Analysis
- Natural Resource Economics
- Applied Policy Analysis
- Agricultural Trade Relations
- Food Firms, Consumers and Market
- Applied Microeconomics for Agricultural Economists
- Applied Quantitative Methods for Agricultural Economists
- Policy analyst
- Professor
- Research associate
- Economist
- Data scientist
- Consultant
- Chief officer
PhD graduates from the Department of FARE apply their rigorous training and research experience in a number of rewarding ways. Many of our graduates take positions in government, such as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, Health Canada, and Forestry Canada. Some join private firms or become sought-after consultants. Others become professors.
A career destination survey of 40 PhD graduates of the department found these results:
- Doctoral Destinations: FARE Fact Sheet (PDF)
- PhD students are funded upwards of $30,000 per year
Many of our graduate students also compete successfully for University of Guelph scholarships and awards.
More details on funding your graduate studies are available on the Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies website.
Students in the PhD program focus on an area of specialization relevant to their thesis research, plus complete courses in microeconomic theory and economic research methods. The PhD program requires the successful completion of a qualifying exam and the completion and defense of a research-based thesis in 12 semesters.
Admission Requirements: A minimum of 73% (B) in your Master’s program equivalent to the MSc in FARE (Note: most successful applicants have an average of 80%, A-, or higher). PhD applicants are required to write the General Graduate Record Examination (GRE-General only)
More information on courses and the FARE programs can be found here.
Meet Your Profs
My research looks at the effect of government policy or new technology on what farmers decide to do and the impacts of those decisions on the structure of agriculture.
The most exciting aspect of my work is that it brings insights into how agribusiness firms operate in the world of uncertainty, not just in food prices, but also in the broader context of business climate and policy.
How to Apply
You apply directly online at Applying to Guelph and securing a faculty advisor at application is NOT required; selection of your advisor is done after the Qualifying Exam for PhD. More details on the U of G graduate program application process here.
- Students entering the Doctoral program require a minimum average of B or 73% in the last two years of study and completion of a Bachelor’s degree. (Note: most successful applicants have an average of 80%, A- or higher.) Students entering the PhD program are expected to have satisfied the requirements, or their equivalents, (contains significant mathematics components and several economic theory courses) of the department's MSc degree in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics. Refer to Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies for university guidelines
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE - General only) scores are required for ALL doctoral applications. Institution code is 0892 and the Department code is 0101 Agricultural Economics.
- In cases where a student's master's degree is not equivalent to that offered by the department, the student may initially be accepted into the MSc program and may then apply for transfer to the PhD program at some time during the first three semesters. Applications for transfer must be supported by the Departmental Graduate Program Committee and approved by the Board of Graduate Studies. The student does not have to complete all the requirements of the MSc before transferring to the PhD program, but must achieve high academic standing.
- As international grading scales and minimum requirements do vary, please consult the "International Credential Evaluation Guidelines"
- If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test. Please see chart below for acceptable tests and required scores for the Department of FARE. The University of Guelph English as a Second Language Test Code is 0892. Acceptable tests and minimum required scores for FARE graduate programs are:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) = 7.0 overall score and a minimum score of 6.5 in the Speaking and Writing category
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- TOEFL - Paper based test (PBT) = 587
- TOEFL - Internet based test (IBT) = 95
- NOTE: A minimum overall score of 95 must be achieved, with at least 22 in Speaking, 26 in Writing and 21 in the Listening and Reading categories.
- University of Guelph Language Certificate = Advanced Level
- English as a Second Language tests are considered valid for a period of two years. You may upload a letter requesting exemption from this requirement if you have completed your academic studies in a recognized English speaking institution. Please indicate institution, program and length where all were delivered in English.
In addition to the general University admission requirements, application to FARE's graduate programs require:
- CV or Resume
- Transcript(s) and grading scale
- Statement of Research: provide a one to two-page outlining your research interest and why you wish to pursue graduate studies
- References: Two academic references are required; a third professional reference is optional
- GRE (general section): Allow time to complete to meet application deadline; upload your results along with your Statement of Research
- January 31, 2027 for International Students*
- March 31, 2027 for Domestic Students
We encourage international and domestic applicants to complete your application early to ensure that all documents are received by the deadline. Due to the electronic application process, you should allow a minimum of two weeks to work through the process to complete your application
More details on the U of G graduate program application process here.
- Details on monitoring your application status and offer can be found at the Office of Graduate Studies website.
- There is lots of helpful information available on the Graduate Studies FAQ webpage.
- More resources for international applicants are available on the U of G Graduate & Postdoctoral website.
Contact us.
Questions on faculty research? Contact:
Dr. Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor
safesorg@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 ext. 53169
Questions on program admissions? Contact:
faregrad@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 ext. 52771
What Students Have to Say
I enjoy seeing the whole picture, asking the bigger questions, and getting involved with multiple areas instead of specialization. Specialization is undeniably valuable, but so is a better understanding of the bigger puzzle that we are looking at and how everything is interconnected.
"When I talk to friends from other universities it always makes me realize how much U of G has to offer – personable and engaging professors, opportunities for involvement, and both a school and city with a real community focus. Pursuing graduate studies at U of G was an easy decision for me."
I had a wonderful experience in the department. I felt that the program offered a diverse perspective on interrelated subject areas, particularly agriculture and the environment in my case. I feel that the research being done in the department is timely and significant. I think that the seminars, research symposia and conferences provide students with invaluable experience and networking opportunities. The faculty devote an immense amount of time and attention to the students they advise.