The PRESMA project is a story of partners coming together.

In Windsor-Essex, research on service provision for migrant agricultural workers, led by Dr. Glynis George (funded by MITACS) was being carried out from 2021 – 2022. In the meantime, Dr. C. Susana Caxaj, had started carrying out some pilot work with service providers in Niagara and Haldimand-Norfolk. Beginning outreach in Windsor-Essex made it clear that Glynis and Susana could accomplish more together.

Soon into the process, we have had incredible front-line and organizational leaders, as well as stakeholders and experts who have helped shape the direction of the project. In 2022, our team came together, applied and was successful in obtaining SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council) funding. The key objective of this funded research is to both (1) better map the support landscape for migrant agricultural workers across Southern Ontario (especially in Windsor-Essex, Haldimand-Norfolk and Niagara), and, (2) to contribute resources/actions/policy guidance that can support the enhancement of service provision for this population.

Our focus over the spring and summer of 2022 have been on outreach and consultations with migrant agricultural workers. Over the fall and winter, we will shift our focus to planning and deliverable development, before we return for one more season to further explore the nature of service provision for migrant agricultural workers, and, the potential relevance and impact of our planned deliverables.

Our team believes that the best research is done in community, with community. This type of work takes more time, but it has the potential to have greater uptake and impact on the lives of those most affected. Thank you to everyone who has been with us throughout this journey!