In the News: Ottawa’s plan to shutter farm research facilities, food safety lab draws Parliamentary rebuke

May 11, 2026

By Marc Fawcett-Atkinson, Canada’s National Observer, May 8, 2026

The federal committee on agriculture is slamming the Carney government over its plan to shutter Canada’s only research program for organic and regenerative farming, seven agricultural research centres and Eastern Canada’s only government lab testing foods for unmarked allergens. 

About 665 people are poised to lose their jobs at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), while Canada’s food inspection agency (CFIA) will cut 587 roles.

The 10-person committee unanimously recommended in a Wednesday report that Ottawa immediately pause its decision to close the centres and consult with farmers, researchers, advocates and industry groups to fully understand the scientific and economic impact of closing the facilities and research programs.

Read the full article here.