The Straw Hat offers students a chance to publish their own peer-reviewed articles
Bridging the gap between consumers and producers within the agrifood sector: that is the mission of The Straw Hat: Journal of Food & Agriculture.
Founded in 2011, The Straw Hat is a peer-reviewed journal run by students at the University of Guelph that is intended to enhance understanding about important food and agricultural issues. The journal is currently in the process of accepting articles for its first issue.
The journal covers an array of topics that address the range of activities and disciplines encompassed by modern food production. These include the history of food and agriculture, regional spotlights, restaurant initiatives, new research, food phenomenon, food culture, mythbusting, policy reviews, agrifood issues, recipes and opinions.
Anthony Ngai, a fifth-year Accounting major at the University of Guelph, is a founding member of the journal. Ngai discovered his passion for food and agriculture at a young age growing up on a small farm in Africa.
“[I] was frustrated with the consumer mindset about food and agriculture, and all of the misconceptions brought about by companies with hidden agendas,” explained Ngai, adding that “The Straw Hat paints a very transparent picture of what is happening in the business.”
What sets this journal apart from similar journals and magazines is the fact that articles are written solely by students. The Straw Hat wants to offer students the opportunity to publish high-quality articles, learn and build upon new skills, and provide the agrifood industry with an unbiased voice.
Ngai explained that the process is heavily refereed. “Professors supervise and coach students through the writing process. [Students] learn to write in a way that is insightful yet even an eight year old can comprehend.”
The journal has a student board of writers and publishers as well as an advisory board made up of students, industry professionals, professors, and researchers.
In recognition of its mandate to foster student engagement, The Straw Hat was the recipient of the Gordon Nixon Leadership Award in 2013. The award is offered through the University of Guelph and provides funding for significant student initiatives that promote student involvement, leadership and service.
The Straw Hat has received additional grants from the university, keeping the journal afloat as it tries to get the difficult first issue put together. The journal, however, is not looking to rush into production: while difficult, the most important aspect is ensuring a high standard of content.
The Straw Hat hopes to publish its first issue online in the spring of 2014.