The Rural Sociological Society (RSS) recognized Laura Raynolds with their 2018 Excellence in Research Award for contributions her work has made to understanding global commodity networks, certification systems, and food production and consumption.

“The multiple letters submitted in support of your nomination all attest to the excellence of your work and your truly outstanding contributions to understanding private governance institutions and alternative agri-food networks including Fair Trade and organics,” said Jennifer Sherman, RSS Chair, in the award letter.

Laura was honored at RSS’s 2018 conference in Portland, Oregon this summer. The award is given annually in recognition of excellent scholarship in researching significant rural issues.

About RSS

RSS is a professional social science association that promotes the generation, application, and dissemination of sociological knowledge. The Society seeks to enhance the quality of rural life, communities, and the environment, and provides leadership in scholarship, policies, and advocacy. Since its founding in 1937, the RSS has traced changes in rural life and livelihoods, demography, community structures and economies, technologies, environmental conditions, and agriculture and food systems.