The Honourable Heath MacDonald, P.C., M.P. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
The Honourable Kody Blois, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, House of Commons
February 3, 2026
Re: Closure of Federal Agricultural Research Centres, Including Lacombe, Alberta
We are writing to express our deep disappointment with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s recent decision to close three federal research and development centres and four satellite research farms across Canada, including the research and development centre in Lacombe, Alberta. Research and development are critical to advancing industries and economies by addressing current challenges and building resilience for the future, and have played a vital role in growing agricultural exports to $100.3 billion in 2024 (AAFC, 2025). In the context of today’s global environment and declining productivity for Canadian agriculture, it is more important than ever to support domestic research capacity to ensure Canada remains a leader in agriculture for years to come.
Public investment in agricultural research has historically delivered some of the highest economic returns of any government expenditure. Independent studies consistently demonstrate that agricultural research and development generate strong multiplier effects by driving productivity growth, improving farm profitability, strengthening rural economies, and supporting downstream processing and export competitiveness. Richard Gray and Stavroula Malla (2007) indicate that the return on investment in agricultural research, for most agricultural sectors, ranges between 30-50%. The steady erosion of government investment in agricultural research over recent decades has already contributed to slower innovation adoption, reduced capacity for long-term applied research, and increased reliance on technologies developed outside Canada. Further reductions risk compounding these challenges at a time when producers are facing unprecedented pressures from climate variability, geopolitical trade disruptions, and rising input costs.
Canada’s agricultural sector operates in a highly competitive global environment. Jurisdictions such as the United States, the European Union, Australia, China and Brazil make robust investments in public-private research partnerships, genetics, climate resilience, and productivity-enhancing technologies. Maintaining and strengthening Canada’s competitive position requires sustained, regionally relevant research capacity.
Equally concerning is the apparent lack of meaningful consultation with stakeholders prior to these decisions. Producer organizations, industry partners, and academic institutions have invested significant financial resources, in-kind support, and expertise in collaborative research conducted at AAFC research and development centres. The lack of clarity surrounding staffing changes raises serious concerns for research funders, who must now assess the risks and consequences for recently initiated and ongoing research. The closure of facilities without prior engagement undermines trust and jeopardizes ongoing research investments and outcomes.
Given the scale and long-term implications of these decisions, there is a clear need for collaborative discussions on the future structure of agricultural research in Canada and the appropriate role of government moving forward. Early and meaningful engagement with industry stakeholders on options for the future use of Federal agriculture research assets is both warranted and welcomed. A transition is required for much of the on-going research as some projects are in the ground already and require time and resources to uncouple from AAFC land, staff and labs. The current timelines will not allow for these programs to proceed this field season, putting a halt to agricultural innovation indefinitely.
Producers and industry stakeholders are not asking the government to act alone. Rather, we seek a stable, predictable public research framework that enables effective partnerships, leverages private investment, and supports innovation that serves the public interest. A transparent and collaborative dialogue will help ensure that Canada’s agricultural research system remains globally competitive, regionally responsive, and capable of delivering long-term economic, agronomic and environmental benefits.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We would welcome the opportunity to participate in further discussions on how we can collectively strengthen Canada’s agricultural research and innovation system.
The organizations signed on to this letter include the Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Beekeepers Commission, Alberta British Columbia Seed Growers, Alberta Canola, Alberta Grains, Alberta Lamb Producers, Alberta Pulse Growers, Alberta Oat Growers Commission, Alberta Pork, Potato Growers of Alberta and the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers. Together, we represent the majority of the over 40000 farmers and ranchers across the province of Alberta.
Sincerely,
C.C.
The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, E.C.A., M.L.A.
The Honourable R.J. Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, E.C.A., M.L.A.
References
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). (2025). Overview of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. October 14, 2025. Accessed: February 2, 2026. https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/overview
Gray, R., Malla, S., Gray, R., & Malla, S. (2007). The Rate of Return to Agricultural Research in Canada. Unknown. https://doi.org/10.22004/AG.ECON.273065