MSc Thesis Defence: Sarah Parish

Date and Time

Location

Via Videoconference. For instructions to join please contact rpd@uoguelph.ca

 

Details

Sarah Parish, a Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development student, will defend her thesis research titled “Agritourism as a Solution to Rural Revitalization?: The Case Study of North Durham Region”. A brief description of her thesis research is listed below:

The agricultural industry has a prevalent, long-standing history as a successful cornerstone in Ontario. This historical prevalence stands true for the Regional Municipality of Durham’s three northern townships: Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge. Agriculture and livestock are a driving force within the three township’s economies. However, throughout the last three decades, agricultural production in Ontario’s rural townships have been negatively impacted by vertical integration, globalization, and the intensification of land-based activities. This research examines the role of agritourism as a viable solution to revitalizing the agricultural sector in North Durham Region. This study utilized in-depth interviews with farm operators who have diversified their farming practices to understand these questions; the motivations of farmers to diversify their farms through agritourism, how agritourism assists farming businesses, and strategies farmers use to implement agritourism into their current farming practices. This research is imperative for farm operators in rural Ontario and policy makers to ensure farms are able to remain economically competitive against the pressures of urbanization and changing global markets.

Members of the examination committee will include: Prof. Ryan Gibson (advisor, SEDRD), Prof. Wayne Caldwell (Graduate Faculty, SEDRD), Prof. Karen Landman (Graduate Faculty, SEDRD), and Prof. Sara Epp will serve as chair. The thesis defense will take place via video conference on May 13 from 1.00 – 3.00 pm EDT. The thesis is open to the public and instructions for joining the video conference can be requested from rpd@uoguelph.ca.

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