Protect Canada’s Agricultural Research Stations

Whereas the Liberal government has announced the closure of long-standing agricultural research stations and experimental farms across Canada, including in Guelph, ON; Quebec City, QC; Lacombe, AB; Nappan, NS; Scott, SK; Indian Head, SK; and Portage la Prairie, MB, resulting in the loss of irreplaceable scientific expertise;

Whereas these research facilities have provided essential crop, soil, plant health, livestock, and productivity research that directly supports Canadian farmers, ranchers, and food producers;

Whereas shutting down these facilities will reduce Canada’s domestic research capacity at a time when farmers face rising input costs, burdensome red tape, unreliable supply chains and unpredictable market access;

Whereas the Liberal government spent more than $19 billion on consultants last year while claiming it cannot maintain critical agricultural research infrastructure, demonstrating a failure to prioritize domestic food security;

Whereas the same government allocated millions of dollars including: $8 million on ‘gender-just, low carbon rice’ and $22 million on beans for empowerment for women in the DR Congo.

Whereas these closures undermine Canada’s ability to feed itself and maintain a competitive agricultural sector;

Whereas domestic agricultural innovation is essential to ensuring Canadian food remains affordable, secure, and sustainable;

Therefore, be it resolved that we, the undersigned, call on the Minister of Agriculture and Agri‑Food and the Government of Canada to immediately halt the closure of the seven agricultural research stations and commit to strengthening—not weakening—the research capacity that farmers depend on to support their livelihoods and Canada’s long‑term food security.