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For Immediate Release
Fredericton, New Brunswick. (Feb. 23, 2026) - Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada (AAFC) recently announced the closure of several federal research stations and reductions in scientific staff across Canada, significantly reducing national capacity for agricultural research.
The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) is concerned these cuts will weaken Canada’s ability to deliver the regionally grounded research producers need to adapt to mounting agronomic and climate pressures. The CFGA is also mindful of the human impact, as the loss of scientific staff represents not only job loss for dedicated professionals but also the erosion of the expertise and relationships that sustain Canada’s research community.
Why it’s important
Across the country, producers and growers are demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation. They are adapting to shrinking margins, unpredictable weather, new disease pressures and rotation fatigue all while continuing to feed communities and steward the land. Many are already experimenting with more diverse rotations, integrating livestock and re‑introducing forages to rebuild soil health and stabilize production.
These producer‑led innovations show what is possible. However, scaling them requires long‑term, regionally relevant research that helps farmers and ranchers make informed decisions with confidence.
Forage and grassland systems are central to that future. They strengthen soil structure, support carbon storage, enhance biodiversity, reduce input reliance and improve the productivity and resilience of both annual cropping and livestock operations. When annual crops, livestock and perennial forages are managed as one cohesive system, producers are better positioned to achieve economic stability, agronomic health and long‑term sustainability.
AAFC’s remaining research capacity must therefore be strategically protected and aligned with the real challenges producers face. Without strong public research, Canada risks losing ground at a time when global competitors are investing heavily in integrated, climate‑smart agricultural systems.
Strategic implications for the CFGA
With federal research capacity shrinking, the CFGA’s leadership role becomes even more critical in coordinating research, supporting producer engagement and advocating for forage‑based solutions.
The closures also create a natural rallying point to unify voices across annual cropping, livestock, forage and environmental sectors, all of whom stand to lose from reduced research infrastructure.
At the same time, federal and provincial governments will be shaping the next policy framework under tighter resource constraints, making proactive engagement essential to ensure forage and grassland priorities are well supported.
Forages, grasslands and grazing are not niche interests; they are foundational to Canada’s agricultural resilience and economic competitiveness.
Call to action
The CFGA invites producers, researchers, industry partners and all who recognize the importance of strong agricultural research to join together for discussions with federal and provincial governments. Working together, we can ensure Canada’s research capacity remains responsive to the needs of farmers, ranchers and land stewards.
Collectively, we can chart a path forward that honours the innovation already happening on the ground, strengthens the science that supports it and advances the long‑term resilience and nation‑building goals of Canadian agriculture.
Contact us
The CFGA is actively engaging with organizations across Canada and welcomes those who wish to collaborate to contact us.
Cedric MacLeod, CFGA executive director
executivedirector@canadianfga.ca, 506-260-0872
Serena Black, CFGA Board Vice Chair
bcfc@bcforagecouncil.com, 250-564-4115 loc2233
Trudy Kelly Forsythe, Communications
info@canadianfga.ca, 506-333-4260
About the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association
Incorporated in 2010, the CFGA provides a national voice for all Canadians who produce hay and forage products and for those whose production is dependent upon forage/grassland production.
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