Researchers recently made two outstanding contributions at the recent European Society for Rural Sociology (ESRS) Conference [1] held in Riga, Latvia. This international gathering brought together scholars from across the globe to explore pressing issues shaping rural life today.

Ryan Gibson [2] and Damilola Oyewale presented their research titled “From Fields to Homes: Housing Realities for International Agricultural Workers in Rural Ontario, Canada.” Their presentation examined the housing conditions faced by migrant agricultural workers, a vital yet often overlooked population in rural Canada. Their work draws attention to the intersection of labour, migration, and rural housing policy - topics central to equitable rural development.

Sara Epp [3] also shared timely findings through her presentation “The Urban Exodus: Understanding the Impacts of Urban to Rural Migration post-COVID-19.” Sara’s research explores how the pandemic has accelerated urban-to-rural migration trends and what this means for infrastructure, land use, and community dynamics in rural areas of Ontario.

Both presentations sparked engaging discussions and demonstrated the critical importance of rural research in addressing global challenges.