aerial view of a river and nearby fields

Policy Lab on Water Sustainability.

Co-Creating a Roadmap for Alberta's Agriculture Through Digitalization.

A three-session policy lab uniting diverse voices to shape innovative water policies for Alberta’s agri-food future.

Building Solutions Together.

As part of the Alberta Digitalization Agriculture (ABDIAG) program, The Simpson Centre is facilitating a multi-phase policy lab that unites crop and livestock producers, researchers, industry experts, government officials, irrigation districts, and Indigenous communities. Together, we are developing a comprehensive roadmap to optimize water use, protect the environment, and support agricultural business growth through digital innovation.

This is a collaborative effort to co-create impactful, practical solutions for one of Alberta agriculture's most pressing challenges.


Session 1

Completed Date: November 27, 2024 

Focus: Defining the Problem.

 We worked together to identify key challenges in water sustainability within Alberta's agricultural landscape, establishing a shared understanding of the issues at stake.

Session 2

Completed Date: March 4, 2025 

Focus: Producers' Needs and Digital Opportunities. 

We explored producers' needs, challenges, and opportunities in leveraging digital tools—including sensors, satellites, and advanced data analysis—to enhance water sustainability in Alberta's agriculture.

Session 3

Coming in December 2025 

Focus: Creating the Roadmap. 

The final session will synthesize all contributions to develop a comprehensive, actionable roadmap for implementing innovative policies and practices for water sustainability in Alberta's agriculture.


Webinar: Preliminary Policy Lab Findings

The Simpson Centre’s Policy Lab team presents preliminary findings from our Policy Lab sessions investigating Water Sustainability in Alberta's Agriculture through Digitalization. ​​

In this webinar session, Juhi Huda (Policy Lab Lead and Simpson Centre Research Associate) highlights key insights from the first two policy lab sessions and shares emerging themes in preparation for the third and final Policy Lab. Moderated by Roshanne Sihota, Simpson Centre Project Coordinator.

 

October 29, 2025


A Diverse Coalition of Stakeholders.

This initiative brings together expertise from across the ag ecosystem from producers and industry professionals, to academics, policy makers and Indigenous communities.

Each perspective is essential to developing policies that serve the diverse needs of Alberta's agricultural landscape.

Creating Lasting Impact.

The roadmap emerging from this policy lab will inform decision-making at multiple levels. By centring the voices of those directly involved in ag water management, we ensure recommendations are innovative and practical, and are fostering a network of stakeholders committed to ongoing collaboration.

water flowing

Follow Our Progress.

Interested in learning more about the Policy Lab or participating in future initiatives? Stay connected with The Simpson Centre as we continue this important work.

For more information about the ABDIAG work on water sustainability, reach out to our team.

Contact Us.

This policy lab is part of the Alberta Digitalization Agriculture (ABDIAG) program, led by The Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy. It is made possible from funding by The Government of Alberta.

Contact Us For More Information

Primary Investigator.

Guillaume Lhermie
Director
The Simpson Centre

Email Guillaume.

Project Researcher.

Juhi Huda
Research Associate
The Simpson Centre

Email Juhi.