The University of Calgary's School of Public Policy has announced the creation of the Simpson Centre for Agricultural and Food Innovation and Public Education.

It was made possible through a $5-million gift from Calgary rancher and businessman John Simpson.

The new centre will move research around public policies forward that strengthen and support the growth and sustainability of agri-food and agri-business, particularly in western Canada.

The School of Public Policy will look at four areas that impact decision-making in the agricultural sector.

Those four fields are trade policy, environment and climate change, agriculture as a major resource sector, and food and agriculture technology.

It's hoped the school of Public Policy and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, as well as other programs at the U-of-C, can drive evidence-based agri-food policy.