Sigurdson responds on AAFC Lacombe closure

Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation says the province is raising concerns with Ottawa following the federal government’s decision to close the Lacombe Research and Development Centre.

In a public statement shared this week, Minister RJ Sigurdson said the province has heard concerns from Albertans about the closure and emphasized the importance of farm-focused research to the long-term growth and sustainability of the agriculture sector.

“We have heard Albertans’ concerns about the federal government’s decision to close the Lacombe R&D Centre,” says Sigurdson.

“We are also disappointed, as farm-focused research is essential for the ag sector’s long-term growth and sustainability. We are in direct contact with our federal counterparts to monitor impacts and advocate for our ag sector.”

Sigurdson confirmed Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation is in direct contact with federal counterparts to monitor potential impacts of the decision and advocate for the province’s ag sector.

The comments accompany a January 30 letter sent by Sigurdson to federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald, outlining concerns about the broader implications of closing seven Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research stations and satellite farms nationwide, with particular emphasis on Lacombe.

In the letter, Sigurdson noted the Lacombe centre plays a significant role in both crop and livestock research, supporting long-term field trials, variety registration, and federally inspected meat research capacity. He said the closure could disrupt multi-year research projects and pose risks to beef grading standards, export market access, and training opportunities for future industry leaders.

The minister also pointed to ongoing provincial investments in feed and forage breeding infrastructure in Lacombe and said Alberta, in conjunction with Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), is prepared to engage in collaborative discussions to minimize gaps in Canada’s agricultural research system during the transition.

Sigurdson said he is hopeful both levels of government can work constructively to optimize Canada’s agricultural research landscape while avoiding negative impacts on producers.