In this episode, Gastronomica editorial collective member Jaclyn Rohel highlights new titles from the world of food studies. She is joined by Michael Classens, Assistant Professor in the School of the Environment at the University of Toronto and author of the recently published book, From Dismal Swamp to Smiling Farms: Food, Agriculture, and Change in the Holland Marsh (UBC Press, 2021). Michael digs into the historical, social, and environmental processes that enabled the transformation of a wetland just north of Toronto into Ontario’s salad bowl. Highlighting contemporary issues in human-environment relations, this story has important lessons for farmland protection efforts. Michael also discusses how his work combines both research and advocacy for food system change.

Photo courtesy of Michael Classens.