Kathryn A. Boys is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at North Carolina State University. Her research focuses on international trade, agricultural marketing, food systems, and food safety policy and economics. She holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University (2008). Her work bridges economic theory and practical policy applications, particularly in understanding global trade dynamics, food security challenges, and the impacts of emerging technologies like blockchain in agri-food supply chains. She has contributed to studies on the Belt and Road Initiative's effects on global trade, U.S. organic agri-food exports, and consumer perceptions of food safety. Her research also addresses challenges in local food systems, including small farm integration into institutional procurement and the resilience of food networks during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Boys has explored policy implications of food fraud, trade preferences, and food certification standards. Her work frequently intersects with public health, emphasizing equitable access to safe, nutritious food. She has led studies on the North Carolina Healthy Food Small Retailer Program, evaluating its impact on dietary choices in food deserts. Her recent publications highlight trends in global trade, local food system innovation, and the socio-economic dimensions of agricultural policy. This includes analyzing post-pandemic shifts in student enrollment preferences and mental well-being in agricultural education. Boys collaborates with initiatives such as the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative (SCRC) and the Business Sustainability Collaborative (BSC) to advance interdisciplinary research and policy solutions. Her work underscores the interconnectedness of economic, environmental, and social factors in shaping food systems and trade policies.




