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.

In a message to staff, AAFC Deputy Minister Lawrence Hanson said the cuts were made to keep government spending sustainable and focused on the department’s core mandate. He also said the decisions were not a reflection of the quality of work being done by AAFC employees.

Industry groups say the uncertainty raises concerns about the long-term impacts on beef research and innovation. Research conducted through AAFC facilities has contributed to productivity gains, animal health improvements, and forage systems that underpin the competitiveness of Canada’s beef sector.

“Research remains a critical investment for our industry,” says Doug Roxburgh, Chair of Alberta Beef Producers (ABP). “ABP recently committed $228,000 to seven research projects spanning priorities from parasite control to ergot toxicity, demonstrating our strong commitment to science-based solutions.”

Roxburgh says ABP is continuing to work with national partners to better understand the implications of the federal announcement.

“We are working closely with, and supporting, the Beef Cattle Research Council and other stakeholders to reinforce the importance of research, seek greater clarity from government, and better understand the announcement and its impacts on beef research moving forward.”

AAFC says more information will be shared as decisions are finalized. For now, many questions remain about how these changes will affect ongoing beef, forage, cropping, and food safety research and the overall capacity to support future activities.

“The expertise of food safety and beef grading researchers anchors market access by assuring trading partners of Canada’s food‑safety and quality systems,” says Bergen “The impacts of losing that capacity may not be immediate, but they will be far‑reaching, affecting beef producers, the industry, and Canada’s international reputation.”