Nuffield Canada names four new scholars for 2027

Four Canadians have been selected as Nuffield Canada’s 2027 scholars and will spend the next two years researching agricultural issues through international travel and on-the-ground study.

The 2027 scholarship recipients are:

• Ashley Wagenaar, Alberta
• Dave Kranenburg, Ontario
• Kalysha Snow-Hanrahan, Newfoundland and Labrador
• Sarah van Heeswijk, British Columbia

Each scholar receives a $30,000 scholarship to investigate a topic relevant to Canadian agriculture. As part of the program, scholars must complete a minimum of 10 weeks of international travel within 24 months and produce a report outlining their findings.

For Alberta producers, the selection of Ashley Wagenaar brings a local perspective to the program. Wagenaar, who works with Potato Growers of Alberta, will examine how agricultural industries are responding to new and emerging pest and disease threats, with a particular focus on Potato Mop Top Virus.

Wagenaar’s career began in vegetable crop production, where she worked as an insect scout before moving into agronomy and research-focused roles. Today, she works alongside researchers and industry partners to help bring practical information back to Alberta potato growers.

Other scholarship topics selected for 2027 reflect several broader issues facing agriculture across Canada.

Ontario farmer and entrepreneur Dave Kranenburg will study what helps regional food infrastructure remain viable and adaptable, particularly for small and mid-sized farms operating within a consolidated global food system.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Kalysha Snow-Hanrahan will explore agricultural workforce development and career awareness, looking at how other countries attract new people into the sector and create pathways for long-term participation.

British Columbia’s Sarah van Heeswijk will focus on how countries are helping the next generation enter farming through mentorship, education, apprenticeships, land access and succession planning.

Nuffield Canada scholars select their own research topics and travel internationally to examine how different regions are approaching similar challenges. Once their studies are complete, scholars present their findings and recommendations through written reports and industry presentations.

Nuffield Canada is part of an international network that connects agricultural leaders and producers with peers around the world, providing opportunities to study farming practices, policies and innovations that may have relevance to Canadian agriculture.