Nature of risk
Shutting down these centers represents the loss of over a century of knowledge and expertise and poses a significant risk to the country's agricultural research capacity and long-term sustainability. The closing research centers were historically responsible for breakthrough discoveries in sustainable beef production, crop sustainability, food safety and nutrition, and no-till farming. Reductions in funding and the loss of scientific infrastructure can weaken Canada's ability to conduct essential research that supports farmers in adapting to climate change, improving productivity, and maintaining competitiveness in global markets.
Policy summary
What changed
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) supports the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector through initiatives that promote innovation and competitiveness. In line with Carney's ambition to reduce government spending by 15% by 2029, AAFC is cutting approximately $154 million from their annual budget. These cuts include the shutting down of seven research farms and centres across Canada: the Nappan Research Farm in Nova Scotia, the Quebec Research and Development Centre in Quebec City, the Guelph Research and Development Centre in Ontario, the Portage la Prairie Research Farm in Manitoba, the Scott Research Farm and Indian Head Research Farm in Saskatchewan, and the Lacombe Research and Development Centre in Alberta.
Primary source