AAFC staffing reductions threaten crop research capacity and long term farm competitiveness
SaskCrops has expressed serious concern over recent staffing reductions and research station closures announced by Agriculture and Agri Food Canada. The group says these changes could reduce the ability to carry out important crop research that supports farmers across Saskatchewan and beyond.
Several federal research sites have been affected, including facilities at Indian Head and Scott in Saskatchewan and Lacombe in Alberta. These locations play a key role in field research related to crop breeding, weed and disease control, agronomy, insect management, and pesticide testing. They also support regional variety trials that help farmers choose the best crops for local conditions.
SaskCrops warns that losing these sites will reduce skilled staff, infrastructure, and overall research capacity. This could slow progress in developing improved crop varieties and better farming practices. Over time, this may affect farm productivity and reduce Canada’s ability to compete in global agricultural markets.
Research is considered essential for helping farmers grow more food while managing costs and environmental challenges. SaskCrops notes that grower groups, provincial governments, and other partners have already invested heavily in research facilities, equipment, and expert staff. These investments were made to address existing concerns about declining research capacity. The recent cuts, according to SaskCrops, make this challenge even more serious.
The organization emphasizes that the full impact of these reductions is still becoming clear. However, it strongly believes that research carried out by federal scientists provides direct and long-term benefits to farmers. This work supports innovation, sustainability, and economic stability in the agriculture sector.
“While the full extent of the impact these cuts will have on projects and the sector is still to be fully realized, we cannot stress enough the value that the research undertaken by AAFC researchers and their research stations provides for farmers,” said Stuart Lawrence, Chair of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. “Cutting edge research ensures farmers remain competitive and we are working to uncover alternate pathways forward to ensure this important work continues and capacity can be preserved.”
To respond to the situation, SaskCrops is working with governments, research institutions, and other grower organizations. The goal is to find solutions that reduce the impact of these cuts and protect critical research programs. SaskCrops says continued cooperation will be necessary to ensure that farmers have access to the research needed to remain productive and competitive in the future.
For background, read the article AAFC Cutting 665 Positions
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