Federal committee recommends reversal on closure of Lacombe Research and Development Centre

When news initially broke in January, AAFC told rdnewsNOW the closure could take up to a year, and added that the reason was related to cost-savings. They’ve also appeared adamant that there would be no reconsideration.

Plus, Lacombe’s facility was not alone, with two other centres 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, also on the chopping block.

“This report reinforces what we have consistently raised throughout this process,” said Lacombe Mayor Thalia Hibbs.

“The Lacombe Research and Development Centre is a critical agricultural research asset that benefits producers across Canada. We are encouraged by the Standing Committee’s recognition of regionally-based research and the need for meaningful consultation, and we remain committed to working with partners to ensure this work continues in Lacombe.”

In addition to the report’s Recommendation 19, which calls for a pause and reversal of proposed closures and the launch of a formal consultation process, the Standing Committee’s report includes broader recommendations that reflect many of the concerns raised by the Joint Task Force, such as:

meaningful consultation
continuity of research and long‑term datasets
transparency in decision‑making
the importance of regionally based agricultural research that cannot be relocated without loss of value.

“Agricultural research depends on continuity, regional expertise, and long‑term investment,” said Lacombe County Reeve John Ireland.

“The Standing Committee has clearly acknowledged that once research capacity like this is dismantled, it cannot simply be turned back on somewhere else. We appreciate that this report recognizes the national importance of centres like Lacombe and the need to slow down, engage properly, and make informed decisions that protect Canada’s agricultural future.”

The standing committee’s recommendation is just that, a recommendation; thus, a final decision will need to be made, and that may mean closure after all, the city and county acknowledge in a joint news release.

According to the two municipalities, the local joint task force will now call for

Minister‑level engagement with municipal leaders and regional partners;
and a formal consultation process, as outlined in Recommendation 19, involving municipalities, researchers, employees, provinces, and industry partners.

The full report can be viewed below:

In a brief statement, AAFC says the department is currently reviewing the recommendations of the Standing Committee’s report.

“We look forward to providing a formal response through the established parliamentary process, while we continue to implement Budget 2025 decisions.”

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by Pattison Media

Federal committee recommends reversal on closure of Lacombe Research and Development Centre

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