Sara Epp

Education

PhD – Rural Studies, University of Guelph (2019)
MA – Geography, Brock University (2013)
BA – Geography, Brock University (2008)

Bio Summary

Sara Epp’s research interests are related to social and agricultural planning in northern and southern Ontario, examining issues related to farmland loss, agricultural viability, land use conflicts and social aspects of rural life. Sara has a diverse background in agricultural planning, including measuring farmland loss in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, exploring the value of Agricultural Advisory Committees within southern Ontario and planning for agricultural expansion and local food development in northern Ontario. More recently, Sara has examined rural migration and social transformation within rural communities. This research included Old Order Mennonite communities in northern Ontario, exploring their migration to the north, impacts on local communities and opportunities/challenges associated with economic development and land use planning. Future research endeavours include an examination of land use planning related to cannabis production in southern Ontario and overcoming barriers to agricultural development in northern Ontario.

Current Research Projects

• Exploring farmer migration from southern Ontario to northern Ontario
• Resilience of Old Order Mennonite communities
• Enhancing local food and production systems
• Exploring planning strategies for cannabis production
• Overcoming social, economic and environmental barriers to agriculture in northern Ontario

Affiliations and Partnerships

Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG)
American Association of Geographers (AAG)
Canadian Association of Food Studies (CAFS)
Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF)
Rural Sociological Society (RSS)