UFA reaffirms support for Simpson Centre's agricultural research and engagement

Bridging the gap between university research and real-world decision making has long been a challenge in Canadian agriculture. With funding from UFA Co-operative (UFA) and The UFA Agricultural Community Foundation (UFA Foundation), The Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy at the University of Calgary will continue its work to close that divide. 

Recently announced continued support from UFA and the UFA Foundation will strengthen the Centre’s capacity to conduct research, translate knowledge, and engage directly with producers, policymakers and the public shaping our agri-food future. The four-year investment follows a previous, but separate, four-year UFA gift announced in 2022.

“We are thrilled to receive this continued support from UFA and the UFA Foundation,” says Dr. Guillaume Lhermie, DVM, PhD, director of The Simpson Centre. “This investment marks the outstanding work we have been doing over the past four years with their financial support. This funding allows us to continue connecting different voices and helping people understand the trade-offs involved in the decisions about the future of agriculture in Canada.”

Adds Don Smith, BA'91, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of UFA: “UFA’s support for The Simpson Centre reflects our strong alignment with its mission to advance evidence-based understanding of agriculture. By translating academic research into accessible insights, the Centre helps counter misinformation and contribute to more informed public dialogue and policy development. A strong agricultural sector matters to every Canadian and plays a vital role in our economy.”

A neutral voice connecting diverse perspectives

Created in 2020 as a research-policy institute within UCalgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM), The Simpson Centre mobilizes research about Canadian agriculture to inform policymaking and public education. The Centre serves as a knowledge broker, connecting researchers, industry stakeholders, government and the public around critical issues facing Canada’s agriculture sector — from farmers’ policy priorities and livestock production, to economic viability and sector sustainability. 

The Centre works to connect different, and often opposing, audiences around shared agri-food challenges. It works to improve public understanding of food and agricultural production processes while hosting collaborative policymaking events that bring producers, researchers, industry, and government decision makers to the same table.

Whether the topic is digitalization, animal welfare or trade dynamics, its approach requires neutrality and a commitment to presenting rigorous research in ways that are honest, impartial and accessible.

Supporting agricultural communities through research

The continued partnership between UFA, the UFA Foundation and The Simpson Centre reflects a shared commitment to strengthening agricultural communities through education and informed decision making.

“We are grateful for UFA and the UFA Foundation’s continued partnership and their commitment to strengthening Canada’s agricultural communities,” says Dr. Renate Weller, DVM, PhD, dean of UCVM. “The Simpson Centre’s work exemplifies the role universities can play in bringing research, industry knowledge and public dialogue together to support a sustainable agri-food system for all.”

The new gift will support ongoing research initiatives, policy analysis, and the development of accessible resources for policymakers and stakeholders across the sector. The Centre’s transdisciplinary model engages other schools and faculties within and beyond UCalgary, building partnerships that ensure diverse expertise informs the future of Canadian agriculture.

With this renewed investment from UFA and the UFA Foundation, Lhermie says, The Simpson Centre is well positioned to continue conducting rigorous research and engaging with agri-food stakeholders across Alberta and beyond to support evidence-based decision making for a more sustainable agricultural industry.