On-campus food production is not a new phenomenon, but are we truly maximizing the integration of these assets into curriculum and programming? Associate professor in the Trent School of the Environment and Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (SAFS) program coordinator, Dr. Karen Thompson and her students are participating in a collaborative research project part of the Environmental and Related Technologies Hub (EaRTH District), to find out.  

Professor Thompson is part of the Greenhouse Project research team, with researchers from Centennial College, University of Toronto Scarborough, and Ontario Tech University, looking into how universities can play a role in learning about and contributing to food production, sourcing, distribution and serving. 

“Through these collaborative projects, our students and research assistants not only have the opportunity to build their network, but they also get exposure to diverse perspectives and new ways of thinking and doing,” says Prof. Thompson. “They develop strong problem-solving skills as they learn to navigate different stakeholder goals.” 

At Trent, the team led by Prof. Thompson is working to inform plans and research on the new Trent Experimental Farm. Through conversations with the partner institutions, the Trent team has purchased a season-extender greenhouse for use at the new farm which will enable researchers and students in Trent’s SAFS program to start seed, grow food, and support local food security.  

About the Environmental and Related Technologies Hub (EaRTH District) 

EaRTH is a collaborative research consortium providing sector-focused research and comprehensive education to develop innovative, technology-driven solutions that will fuel sustainable, resilient communities around the world.