House Committee Urges Ottawa to Reverse Ag Research Centre Closures

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Ottawa, Ont. (Rural Roots Canada) – The House of Commons agriculture committee is urging 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.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food has tabled a report following hearings regarding the January announcement that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) would shut down or scale back operations at several federally funded research facilities across the country.

The committee heard from 27 witnesses, including federal officials, scientists, academics, industry representatives and community leaders affected by the planned closures.

Witnesses told the committee that federally funded ag research plays a crucial role in improving crop yields, livestock production, soil health and climate resistance while helping Canadian farmers remain competitive globally.

The report contains 20 recommendations to Ottawa, including a call to reverse the closures and hold consultations to understand the potential scientific and economic impacts.

AAFC has said the closures are part of a broader spending review to reduce infrastructure and operating costs by consolidating research activities. Officials argued some programs could continue elsewhere while generating long-term savings.

But many witnesses countered that agricultural science depends on decades-long trials and region-specific research that can’t easily be relocated or recreated once dismantled.

Concerns were raised about the potential loss of research tied to forage production, cattle genetics, soil conservation, seed development and climate adaptation strategies tailored to local growing conditions.

Several witnesses argued that cutting research infrastructure could ultimately cost the industry more in lost productivity and innovation than the government would save through closures.

Some researchers also warned that the closures could result in the loss of scientific expertise as employees leave the public sector or move elsewhere for work.

The committee also recommended strengthening collaboration between government, universities and industry groups while maintaining research capacity across multiple regions of the country.

The report framed agricultural science as increasingly tied to national priorities, including food security, climate resilience and economic stability.

The committee report also notes that Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector contributes roughly $150 billion annually to the economy and supports about 2.3 million jobs.

The full report is available on the Parliament of Canada website.

Photo Credit: AAFC website

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