Agriculture research centres heavily impacted by federal budget cuts

Recently announced budget cuts at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada raise important questions about the impact to beef and forage work done in support of the industry.

Media reports indicate AAFC facilities tied to beef and forage research are among those facing capacity reductions or even closures as part of cuts announced under the 2025 federal budget.

Several research sites that have long supported beef production are included in the closures. For beef producers, the Lacombe research centre is one of the best-known facilities on the list. For over 100 years, Lacombe research studies have helped inform cow-calf production systems, forage production, food safety, and beef grading across Canada.

Also included are research centres or farms in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritimes that have major roles in forage development, grazing management, and crop systems that support beef operations. In addition, AAFC is also reportedly ending a co-location agreement at the University of Alberta. That change affects researchers currently working on cattle genetics projects.

“Research conducted at AAFC stations is essential to the competitiveness of Canada’s beef industry,” says Reynold Bergen, Science Director at the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC). “Higher‑yielding forages and low‑cost winter‑feeding systems developed by these teams have reduced risks and increased profitability for cattle producers, and food safety is critical to maintaining consumer confidence.”

Bergen notes that a food safety expert at AAFC Lacombe played a key role in resolving ‘safe cooking’ labelling and consumer confidence issues following a major E. coli outbreak in 2012.

Information from AAFC sources has confirmed the department will reduce its workforce by approximately 665 positions following a government-wide spending review. Cuts and closures are expected to unfold over the coming year, allowing time for research work to be wound down. At this point, the department says it is too early to say what will happen to specific projects, long-term trials, or data sets.