Incoming MA Management student Andrew Nixon is among 12 University of Guelph graduate students who will investigate global food issues as part of the Food From Thought research assistantship program from the Arrell Food Institute. A Bachelor of Commerce (Leadership and Organizational Management) alumnus, Nixon's research will focus on enabling managers to more efficiently and effectively diffuse new crops into the food system. His research is timely given the effects of climate change. 

“Climate change will affect the viability of some crops that have previously grown well in certain regions,” said Nixon. “This creates an opportunity for new crops to be introduced. My research may help increase the competitiveness of Ontario agricultural sector through faster and more efficient adoption of better-suit crops to the region, and assist in job creation and new markets for Ontario farmers.”

To conduct his research, Nixon will take a case study based approach to investigate how specialty crops in Ontario transition to becoming widely adopted. Specifically, he will examine the province’s tobacco market and the decline of Ontario’s field vegetable production.

Currently in its inaugural year, the research assistantship roles recognize emerging scholars who are both academically outstanding and committed to conducting research that ensures food security for future generations. Throughout the program, Nixon will provide leadership within multi-disciplinary teams of graduate students who will work with community, government and industry partners, as well as University of Guelph experts from the Institute, to address global food issues.

Learn more about the Food From Thought Research Assistants on the Arrell Food Institute website [1].