Alberta government invests in University of Calgary’s Simpson Centre

The Government of Alberta is providing a $1.2-million grant over three years to the University of Calgary’s Simpson Centre for the Alberta Digitalization Agriculture Program.

The Simpson Centre will conduct research to develop a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with the digitalization of agriculture as part of the program.

This research will inform recommendations to producers and government policymakers. As part of this work, the centre will create a platform for experts to exchange ideas and develop recommendations.

Brodie Haugan, Chair of Alberta Beef Producers, says ABP appreciates the Government of Alberta’s investments in technology and digital agriculture.

“Innovation in ag-tech is crucial to our industry’s competitiveness and moving the beef industry forward,” says Haugan.

Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, says research is an integral part of the industry.

“We’re looking to the Simpson Centre to research and provide recommendations on how Alberta’s producers can use technologies like robotics and data analytics to help Alberta successfully navigate their adoption,” says Minister Sigurdson. “These technologies will support advancements in the sector so our province can remain a leader in agriculture innovation.”

The government’s grant of $1.2 million over three years forms 58 per cent of the program’s overall budget. The Simpson Centre will provide the remaining funding.

The Simpson Centre for Agricultural and Food Innovation and Public Education at the School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, is an academic policy institute that supports Canadian agri-food and agriculture. Agriculture and Irrigation has supported the Simpson Centre with research funding since 2021 when it provided $1.7 million in funding for the Carbon Program, which concluded on October 31, 2023.