MacDonald says ag research remains a priority amid ongoing concerns over AAFC cuts
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Calgary, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald says research remains a priority for the federal government despite ongoing concerns from across the agriculture sector about cuts and changes to Canada’s research network.
Speaking at the Calgary Stampede, MacDonald was asked about concerns raised by researchers following cuts made by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) earlier this year that resulted in the loss of 665 jobs and the closing of several research facilities across Canada.
“I think research is extremely important,” he said. “When you sit down at a trade table, you have to research to back up your products.”
MacDonald stressed the government doesn’t want to do less research, but that there needs to be improvements to the operational side of some research facilities.
“I think what we need to do is prioritize our research, but we have to base it on what industry wants,” said MacDonald. “We can’t just be going out and doing research.”
Related: Agriculture Research Facilities Shut Down, Jobs Slashed Following AAFC Cuts
MacDonald said the federal government is working with provincial governments and academic institutions as it reviews how agricultural research is carried out.
“We’re working with governments and academia across the country now to include some of the additional information that we’re being provided, and I think we’ll likely have more to say on that in the future,” he said.
He added, with the rise of AI and a quickly evolving world, “we need to understand exactly what the industry and stakeholders want, and we need to have them at the table to discuss and make the decisions on research as well.”
MacDonald’s comments come as multiple agriculture groups, producers, and researchers continue to raise concerns about changes affecting Canada’s agricultural research capacity and the future direction of federal research programs.
In May, the House of Commons agriculture committee urged the federal government to reverse planned closures of several agricultural research centres, warning the move could weaken Canada’s food security, scientific capacity, and long-term agricultural competitiveness.
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