The federal department announced the closure of research centres in Guelph, Ontario, Quebec City, and Lacombe, Alberta, as well as four satellite research farms in Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Two locations in Saskatchewan, at farms in Scott and near Indian Head, are among those closing.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Premier Moe described the cuts as “unfortunate,” emphasizing that agriculture research is not an ideal area for public service reductions. He highlighted the role of ag research stations in the development of innovative technologies like zero-till methods, which have contributed to sustainable food production in Saskatchewan and Canada.
Premier Moe criticized the decision to cut funding for agriculture research and suggested that the federal government should reconsider its recent gun buy-back program instead. He noted that many provinces, including Saskatchewan, do not support the gun buy-back initiative, and he believes that Canadians overall are not in favor of it.
The news of the research cuts has prompted backlash from farmers and farmer groups who rely on the resources and innovations provided by these agricultural research facilities.
