Interests

Dr. Jennifer Sumner's interdisciplinary research interests centre on the social aspects of organic agriculture, which include globalization, sustainability, rural communities, gender, the family farm, food and the environment.

Current Projects

Jennifer Sumner is currently a SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow with the Rural Studies Program and is researching the links between organic farmers and rural sustainability. She has also developed the course for the Major in Organic Agriculture called "Social Issues in Organic Agriculture."

Future Directions

Dr. Sumner, in conjunction with Dr. Ann Clark, has submitted a letter of intent to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council to carry out organic research with the community of Pelee Island. She is also interested in investigating the social aspects of organic farming in Cuba, and in studying the role of female organic farmers in the organic farming movement.