Conservatives are increasing pressure on the federal government to reverse planned closures of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research stations, citing a new parliamentary committee report and growing concern from agricultural stakeholders.
John Barlow, Conservative Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food and Jacques Gourde, Conservative Associate Shadow Minister for Agriculture raised the issue again speaking with the media on Wednesday.
A House of Commons agriculture committee report released earlier this month recommends halting the closures and keeping the affected facilities open.
Stakeholders raise alarm over closures
Barlow said the committee heard overwhelming opposition to the plan from witnesses across the sector.
"It was unanimous from every agriculture stakeholder we had, every agriculture expert we had at the committee, that these closures are a very bad policy decision," said Barlow.
The federal plan would close three research stations in Lacombe, Alta., Quebec City, and Guelph, Ont., along with four experimental farms, including Prairie locations in Indian Head, Scott, and Portage la Prairie.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is also shutting down Canada's only Organic and Regenerative Agriculture Program at its research facility in Swift Current.
Concerns for local research capacity
According to the Conservative press release, the closures would eliminate critical work in areas such as soil health, forage crops, cattle research, and seed development, programs tied directly to local growing conditions.
Barlow said regional expertise built over decades is at risk.
"This is the heartbeat of Canadian food production," he said. "The consequences for agriculture will be potentially catastrophic."
The committee report also challenges the government's cost-saving rationale.
While the closures are expected to save about $230 million over 10 years, Barlow argued that agricultural research delivers significantly greater economic returns.
"Every dollar that they put into research, $63 in economic growth is a result of that," he said.
Witnesses told the committee that research conducted at regional stations is uniquely adapted to local soils and climate conditions, and cannot easily be replicated by universities, provincial governments, or the private sector.
The report's primary recommendation calls on the federal government to halt the closures and work with provinces, scientists, and industry stakeholders to preserve Canada's agricultural research capacity.
Barlow said the issue has united the sector
"All of agriculture is unanimous that they want these research centres open and continue to be operational," he said.
Conservatives say they will continue applying political and public pressure in the coming months, arguing that maintaining domestic agricultural research is essential to food security and to keeping Canadian agriculture competitive.
Barlow spoke to the media on Wednesday and was joined by representatives from SeCan, Canadian Organic Growers, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, National Farmers Union Syndicat Agriculture Union, Canadian Seed Grower's Association and the National Cattle Feeder's Association.
He says there is still time to make your voice heard by signing his petition.
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