Federal Conservative Party weighs in on closure of agriculture research centres

Earlier this month, that same committee recommended a reversal of the closure in Lacombe, and the others spread across Canada.

“Over several weeks, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food heard from researchers, industry leaders, community representatives and provincial governments, all delivering the same urgent message: that closing these research and development centres and experimental farm sites will cause long-term, irreversible damage to Canada’s agricultural research capacity, food security and food production,” says Shadow Minister John Barlow.

“Witnesses were clear that every dollar invested in agricultural research returns many times over and that the expertise, regional data and breeding programs housed at these stations cannot be transferred or recreated. Neither universities nor provincial governments nor the private sector can absorb this work, as all face significant fiscal pressures of their own.”

Barlow goes on to say in a statement issued Wednesday that the decision to close these facilities undermines Canada’s food security — an echo of what others have said since the news broke.

“Clearly, this is not a budget decision; this is a values decision. The evidence shows it is the wrong one,” he adds.

“Conservatives are calling on the Liberal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to maintain the organics program, halt these closures and work with the provinces and impacted stakeholders, scientists and workers on a path forward that does not jeopardize the future of agricultural science and research in Canada.”

Other research centre closures are set to take place in Guelph, ON, and Quebec City, QC, plus four satellite research farms in Nappan, NS, Scott, SK, Indian Head, SK, and Portage la Prairie, MB.

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by Josh Hall

Federal Conservative Party weighs in on closure of agriculture research centres

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