Major Cuts at Lacombe Research Facility Amid Federal Budget Review

The Lacombe Research and Development Centre will close its doors as part of significant budget cuts announced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). According to a letter from Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence Hanson, the department will eliminate over 600 jobs nationwide by 2026. This decision follows a review of the impacts of the 2025 federal budget on the department’s operations.

In his correspondence to AAFC staff, Hanson explained that the organization has finalized its review and identified a path forward to reduce spending in alignment with the budget decisions. “AAFC’s workforce will be reduced by approximately 665 positions, including executive roles,” he stated. The workforce reduction will be achieved through attrition and workforce adjustment measures, impacting both executive and non-executive employees.

Notifications regarding the job cuts will begin on January 22, 2026, with a total of 1,043 letters set to be issued to affected staff. The announcement has already sparked concern among employees and stakeholders within the agricultural community.

On social media, Hushton Block, a beef production systems research scientist at the Lacombe facility, confirmed the closure, stating, “AAFC Lacombe Research and Development Centre is being shut down as a result of government budget cuts.” His comments reflect a growing unease about the implications for agricultural research in the region.

Local Member of Parliament Blaine Calkins, who represents Ponoka-Didsbury, expressed his disappointment regarding the closure. On January 23, he remarked that the decision by the federal government is a significant loss for farmers and producers in the region. “This station has served the interest of farmers and producers, agribusiness, and Central Alberta’s broader scientific community for decades,” Calkins stated. He emphasized that the centre has been a pioneering organization for 119 years, now facing closure due to what he described as a “radical anti-rural agenda” from the federal government.

Established in 1907, the Lacombe Research and Development Centre has been integral to AAFC’s network of research facilities. The centre focuses on two primary areas: livestock and meat production, and crop sciences. The research aims to enhance the economic stability of livestock production while minimizing environmental impacts. It also supports the Canadian fresh meat processing sector in delivering safe, high-quality products, primarily beef and pork.

In addition to livestock research, the Lacombe facility engages in crop sciences, including plant breeding for field peas and oats, integrated crop protection, and the development of best agronomic practices. Furthermore, the Beaverlodge Research Farm, another AAFC location, hosts the national honey bee research program, focusing on bee health.

As the agricultural community grapples with the implications of these budget cuts, the Advocate is awaiting further comments from AAFC regarding the facility’s closure and the future of agricultural research in Canada.