The University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy has established a new research centre named after well-known Alberta rancher John Simpson.
The Simpson Centre for Agricultural and Food Innovation and Public Education will advance research around public policies that strengthen and support the growth and sustainability of agri-food and agri-business, particularly in western Canada.
Simpson is also the owner, Chairman and CEO of the CANA Group of Companies, a family-owned private construction services and development company.
“Agriculture is of major importance not just to farmers and ranchers, but to all Canadians. We all benefit from advances in agri-tech, accessible export markets and business-friendly policies that help spur economic growth,” said Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice chancellor, University of Calgary, in a statement.
The School is establishing four research areas within the Simpson Centre that will focus on timely and relevant topics that impact decision making in an effort to strengthen the agricultural sector in Canada and as it exports abroad. Those four fields include trade policy, environment and climate change, agriculture as a major resource sector and food and agriculture technology, it said.
“Several years ago, The School launched an initiative to quantify the contribution of various resource sectors to the economy,” said Dr. PG Forest, director The School of Public Policy. “We intuitively knew that the contribution of resource sectors, such as agriculture and livestock, were being undervalued and underestimated. John Simpson understands that — and he understands the incredible future contribution of globally traded Western Canadian agricultural exports to our economy. We’re grateful for his generosity and foresight.”
Calgary Economic Development, on its website, says agriculture has been a staple of Alberta’s economy for well over a century, and today the production and export of primary commodities and value-added products are vital to the province.
“Calgary has emerged as a centre for agribusiness. With proximity to high value land, access to distribution channels and a focus on innovation, many multinational leaders call Calgary home,” says the organization. “The sector continues to evolve thanks to an established strength in food processing, smart agriculture, specialized research and training and the growth of niche crops.
“Significant opportunities exist for businesses in areas as diverse as value-added food and meat processing and manufacturing, crop sciences and animal genetics, beverage manufacturing, agri-technologies, and agri-finance and business services.”
Mario Toneguzzi is a business reporter in Calgary.
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