The recently-announced cuts to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s research, facilities and staff will be a massive blow to Prairie agriculture for many years to come.
The Western Producer has been reporting on this important story from day one, and sharing the thoughts and opinions of the people and groups it will impact most. You can find all that coverage of the issue collected and linked below.
Posted Tuesday February 10, 2026:
Read Also
Geco–Gowan deal shines spotlight on predictive weed control using multi-year imagery
A new partnership between Geco and Gowan brings predictive weed mapping to more Prairie farms, using multi-year imagery to forecast patch-prone zones and support targeted herbicide plans.
More than a century of research cannot be replaced – The closure of the Indian Head Research Farm is a serious mistake and one that should concern anyone who cares about the future of Prairie agriculture.
Agriculture department officials address research cuts – REGINA — Members of the House of Commons agriculture committee from all parties expressed concern about the recently announced cuts and closures at federal research centres as they began an emergency study on the matter Feb. 10.
Posted Friday February 6, 2026:
Grain Growers of Canada calls for clarity, transparency on Agriculture Canada research cuts – Grain Growers of Canada is calling for more clarity from the federal government following cutbacks to Agriculture and Agri-Food staff and research centres.
Canadian government got it wrong on public plant breeding – Glacier FarmMedia – The cuts have finally come to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Recently more than 665 employees have lost their jobs, and we now know that seven research facilities across the country are slated for closure.
Posted Thursday February 5, 2026:
Federal research cuts concern Saskatchewan seed growers – The Saskatchewan Seed Growers’ Association is expressing deep concern over the federal government’s decision to significantly reduce Agriculture Canada’s research capacity, including the closure of key research sites and the loss of scientific staff across the Prairie region.
Canadian agriculture depends on research – Canada’s farmers understand fiscal responsibility. We live it every day — managing high input costs, tight margins and stiff global competition.
Research cuts at Agriculture Canada unlikely to be reversed – The huge cuts to agricultural research at Agriculture Canada are being widely panned by farm organizations across the country. Unfortunately, there seems to be little hope of the government reversing its decision.
Posted Wednesday February 4, 2026:
Manitoba research centre part of Agriculture Canada cuts – Glacier FarmMedia – When Scott Mowbray got up the morning of Jan. 23, the Manitoba Crop Alliance director knew there were going to be cuts to the operations of Agriculture Canada. He had heard 15 per cent.
Alberta research centre closure called ‘catastrophe’ – Glacier FarmMedia – The cattle industry is mourning the loss of Agriculture Canada’s research centre in Lacombe, Alta., part of sweeping cuts to the department that were announced late last month.
Posted Tuesday February 3, 2026:
Loss of agriculture research capacity lamented – REGINA —There are still more questions than answers about the impending loss of federal agricultural research scientists and centres announced along with other government cuts in January.
Beef industry weighs in on research cuts – REGINA — The Canadian Cattle Association and Beef Cattle Research Council said cuts to federal research centres and programs will have long-term debilitating consequences for the beef industry.
Bright side seen as Agriculture Canada cuts research – SASKATOON — Cuts at Agriculture Canada are not necessarily a bad thing, says a former provincial government official.
Posted Monday January 26, 2026:
Government silence loud on Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada cuts – I can’t think of a way to lay out my thoughts on the events of Jan. 22, when Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) suddenly cut more than 600 staff, without sounding stuck in a place of self-interest.
Posted Friday January 23, 2026:
Seven research sites to close, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada confirms – Three Agriculture Agri-Food Canada research and development centres and four satellite research farms will close, the federal government has confirmed Friday.
Posted Thursday January 22, 2026:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to cut more than 600 staff – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) will reduce its workforce by approximately 665 positions, effective Thursday.
