Research Recruitment: Alternative Food Initiatives in Canada
Posted: April 7, 2015
Categories: GoodFoodBites / News from Sustain Members / Research
Sustainability Transitions: Theory, policy and practice of alternative food initiatives in Canada
Sustain Ontario members and supporters are invited to participate in a University of Guelph research project exploring the types of alternative food initiatives in Canada. The purpose of this research is to (1) identify the most significant barriers and opportunities that organizations perceive in transitioning towards a sustainable food system; (2) propose best ‘on-the-ground’ practices, as well as policy and regulatory changes that organizations believe will lead to a sustainable food system and (3) investigate regulatory “leverage points” (i.e. places where policy can affect system-wide change) that exist within Canada.
The main investigator is Ashley McInnes, a graduate student in the Department of Geography at the University of Guelph. The academic advisor for the study is Dr. Evan Fraser (Feeding9Billion). Results will contribute to the completion of the student researcher’s (Ashley McInnes) PhD program. This research project has been sponsored by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. If you choose to participate, please read the consent information below and visit the website to complete the survey.
Password: foodOR email amcinnes@uoguelph.ca for a word document to complete and email back.
Consent to Participate in Research
Sustainability Transitions: Theory, policy and practice of alternative food initiatives in Canada
Thank you for considering this invitation to participate in a research project exploring the types of alternative food initiatives in Canada. The main investigator is Ashley McInnes, a graduate student in the Department of Geography at the University of Guelph. The academic advisor for the study is Dr. Evan Fraser. Results will contribute to the completion of the student researcher’s (Ashley McInnes) PhD program. This research project has been sponsored by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Purpose of the Study
To understand and evaluate the roles of alternative food movements and government institutions in food systems transitions to develop policy recommendations for facilitating sustainable food system development in Canada.
If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to:
- Complete a one-time survey online (maximum 30 min) detailing your food organization operations, its activities, and values in regard to sustainable food systems (e.g. social, economic and/or environmental values). We are seeking a member of your organization that is deeply knowledgeable about the governance of the operation to complete this survey.
- Willing and interested participants may also be invited to participate in a one-time follow-up 20-30 minute interview at a later date to discuss more deeply the organization’s policy goals and barriers to implementing programs. Such follow up, like the survey, is entirely voluntary.
- It is now normal practice at the University of Guelph to inform all study participants of their rights and our obligations. Please note the following items:
There are no risks or discomforts associated with this research. - There is no payment for your participation.
- There is no direct benefits for participants to participate in this research project.
- Every effort will be made to ensure confidentiality of any identifying information that is obtained in connection with this study. All answers connected with the surveys and follow-up interviews will be will be used solely for the research purpose and your name will not be associated with your responses or released at any time.
- Your participation in the study is entirely voluntary and you may withdraw at any time without consequences of any kind. You may request to have your answers removed from the study. You may refuse to answer any question and still remain in the study. The researcher reserves the right to disregard your data should circumstances arise which require this.
Rights of Study Participants
You may withdraw your consent at any time and discontinue your participation. You are not waiving any legal claims, rights or remedies because of your participation in this research study. This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Guelph Research Ethics Board. If you have questions regarding your rights as a research participant, contact:
Director, Research Ethics Telephone: (519) 824-4120, ext. 56606
University of Guelph E-mail:sauld@uoguelph.ca
437 University Centre Fax: (519) 821-5236
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
Should you choose to participate in the study, we ask that you provide your organization name, as well as your name, job title and preferred contact information. These identifiers will be collected to allow the student researcher (Ashley McInnes) to contact participants for voluntary follow-up. This information will not be used in the final results. The data will be anonymized and only aggregate results will be presented in the report. Please note that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed while data are in transit over the internet.
If you have any questions or concerns about the research, please feel free to contact:
Ashley McInnes
PhD Candidate, University of Guelph, Department of Geography
amcinnes@uoguelph.ca
519 824 4120 ext 53011
Dr. Evan Fraser
University of Guelph, Guelph ON