 |
Inputs - by Top Crop ManagerAuthor: Top Crop Manager
Canada's national source for leading agronomic research, crop production and technology trends. Language: en Genres: Business, Management, Natural Sciences, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
What's the impact: Discussing agriculture research centre closures
Episode 114
Wednesday, 1 April, 2026
Earlier this year, in January 2026, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced their decision to eliminate over 600 positions and close three research and development centres in Guelph, Ont., Quebec City, Que. and Lacombe, Alta., as well as four satellite research farms in Nappan, N.S., Scott, Sask., Indian Head, Sask. and Portage La Prairie, Man. Since the announcement there have been many discussions about how these cuts will impact Canadian agriculture.In this special episode of Inputs, Kaitlin Berger, editor of Top Crop Manager West, and Jill Filmer, editor of Top Crop Manager East and Fruit & Vegetable, interview three industry experts with deeper insight on this recent event. Hear Berger's discussion with Lori Oatway, research scientist at Western Crop Innovations in Lacombe, Alta and seed grower, as well as her interview with David Gehl, retired head of the seed increase unit and officer-in-charge at the research centre in Indian Head, Sask. And listen in on Filmer's discussion with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Canadian researcher and professor who specializes in food distribution, safety and policy - currently on sabbatical at Dalhousie University and visiting scholar at McGill University.They discuss how these cuts could disrupt the research network in Canada and impact variety development. They also speak to the importance of consulting the industry to determine how to shift research in a reasonable time.Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
