Research, Policy and Practice: Reflections on the 2024 Rural Symposium

The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), hosted a one-day symposium to showcase rural research being conducted at the University of Guelph. The Rural Symposium is an opportunity for graduate students to share their research with researchers, policy analysts and program staff with the OMAFRA, and rural organizations. 

Presentations from the day focused on many of the key concerns and opportunities encountered in rural Ontario, such as engaging newcomers to address workforce development, housing for International Agricultural Workers, agricultural communication for addressing climate change challenges, access to local food, rural transit, Indigenous food systems, veterinary service access, best practice management for potatoe production, examinations of rural policy, economic development opportunities, and many more. Further information about the 2024 Rural Symposium, including copies of presentations and posters, can be found at Rural Review, Vol 8 No. 1 (2024).   Highlights from the Rural Symposium can also be found on social media (#ruralsym24).