Site closures and program consolidation are part of a strategic effort to preserve breeding and germplasm enhancement, says Assistant Deputy Minister Arran McPherson.
For nearly 140 years, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has served as the backbone of agricultural innovation in Canada and has adapted as available science and technology have evolved. AAFC’s reach spans every province, supported by a deep-rooted network of industry, academic, and international partners.
Like all federal departments, AAFC was required to identify savings over a three-year period. We approached this with care, recognizing that reductions affect people, communities, and scientific capacity. Our goal was to reduce overhead while preserving scientific capacity and maintaining a presence in every province.
As a result, we are strategically consolidating our science footprint to use our funds more efficiently to focus on areas where we can have the greatest impact.
A site closure does not mean the discontinuation of all science activities; in some cases, science programs will be consolidated and continue at other locations. Key scientific positions will be retained and relocated to complement priority science activities at other locations.
This strategic realignment and consolidation of science activities will allow us to better focus our investments on key areas such as horticulture and field crop production, animal production, food processing and biodiversity. It will also allow us to continue to deliver science with the potential to accelerate innovations in the sector.
We recognize the importance of maintaining continuity through this transition and will work with partners on next steps for projects that may be affected with a view to preserving research continuity to the greatest extent possible.
There is no reduction in scientific capacity for major field and horticultural crop breeding and germplasm development. The department remains committed to advancing research in crop variety development, germplasm enhancement, and core sciences that form the foundation of Canada’s breeding innovation pipeline.
AAFC’s commitment to science excellence and sector partnership has not changed. We will continue to invest in research and strengthen collaborations with industry groups, governments, universities and colleges, and other key stakeholders in Canada and internationally.
These adjustments allow us to focus our efforts where AAFC can deliver the greatest impact by aligning our work with the Department’s core mandate, preserving science capacity, and positioning Canadian agriculture for long term success.
—Arran McPherson is assistant deputy minister, Science and Technology Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
