Interim arrangement transitions some key beef research capacity

Two federal beef researchers affected by the closure of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Lacombe Research and Development Centre will continue a portion of their work through an interim arrangement at the University of Guelph. 

The University of Guelph has announced that Dr. Óscar López-Campos and Dr. Nuria Prieto will continue research activity at the university under a two-year funding agreement supported by AAFC funding. 

The collaboration will allow the scientists to continue work focused on carcass merit, meat quality, food safety, and market competitiveness.  

According to the University of Guelph, the arrangement is intended to support ongoing research capacity in Canada’s agri-food sector while providing access to the university’s research facilities and expertise. 

In a separate joint statement, the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) welcomed the University announcement, noting the importance of preserving Canada’s beef research capacity as much as possible. 

The BCRC and CCA also emphasized the value of preserving research expertise, data and technologies developed through the former Lacombe program while longer-term solutions are explored. 

Read more:  

• University of Guelph: U of G Welcomes Federal Scientists Advancing Vital Agri-Food Research Capacity
• BCRC and CCA: Statement on Funding for Federal Scientists at University of Guelph