Feds urged to save agriculture research centres

A House of Commons committee is recommending the government halt its decision to close agricultural research centres and experimental farm sites across Canada as part of its cost-cutting exercise.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said earlier this year it planned to close three research and development centres and four satellite research farms.

The House of Commons agriculture and agri-food committee studied the impact of closures that include the Lacombe Research and Development Centre in Alberta, the Quebec Research and Development Centre, and the Nappan Experimental Farm in Nova Scotia.

The report said witnesses told the committee about the "significant" economic benefits of investing in agricultural science and innovation.

The union representing workers warns the closures would cause lasting harm to employees, farmers, food security and Canada’s ability to respond to climate change.

It's urging the government to heed the committee's call to stop the closures before May 23, when employees face potential layoffs.

Milton Dyck, national president of the Agriculture Union, said in a statement that scientists and technical staff have been telling the government the closures would "break research pipelines, destroy irreplaceable data, and hollow out rural communities."

"Food science is critical infrastructure — and you don’t cut the people who keep your food safe and sustainable," he said. "The committee’s study has now confirmed these concerns are widely shared and recommends actions to prevent the damage that will be caused by these unnecessary closures."

Jennica Klassen, spokesperson for the Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said in an email that the minister appreciates the important work done by the committee. 

"The report is currently being reviewed, and a comprehensive government response will be tabled within the legislated timeline," she said. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2026. 

By Catherine Morrison | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.