Reinstate organic and regenerative research

AI summary

Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to reinstate the Organic and Regenerative Research Program at Swift Current R&D Centre and to review and strengthen federal agricultural research capacity for organic and regenerative systems. The government responds that AAFC will consolidate its science footprint while maintaining research capacity and continuing support for organic and regenerative research.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WHEREAS Canada's organic agriculture sector is growing and contributes significantly to the economy and food system. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has closed the Organic and Regenerative Research Program at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre, which otherwise remains operational, and was its only dedicated organic research initiative. The program supported irreplaceable long-term field trials and research-covering soil health, crop rotations, pest management, plant breeding, farmer-bred crop varieties, and climate-resilient practices-delivering regionally adapted solutions that cannot be replicated by universities or the private sector. Its closure will result in the loss of essential research capacity and expertise, undermining Canada's agricultural competitiveness. THEREFORE We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to reinstate the Organic and Regenerative Research Program at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre; and review and strengthen Canada's public agricultural research capacity, including research in organic and regenerative farming systems within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Signed by The Honourable Heath MacDonald, PC, MP Through the Comprehensive Expenditure Review exercise, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada was required to identify savings over a three-year period. As a result, the Department is strategically consolidating its science footprint to use its funds more efficiently in delivering impactful science to Canadian farmers, food processors, and others in the agriculture and agri-food sector. This realignment and consolidation of science activities will allow for the reduction of overhead costs while preserving scientific capacity and maintaining a presence in every province. The Department will maintain its focus on areas of research such as horticulture and field crop production, animal production, food processing, and biodiversity. Recent adjustments to scientific capacity include a shift from basic agronomy research toward more integrated, systems-based agronomy and multidisciplinary science, ensuring that research investments continue to deliver impactful outcomes for producers. The Department will continue to be Canada’s largest agricultural research organization, with 17 research and development centres and associated farmland across the country, maintaining a strong national footprint while addressing both regional and national priorities, aiming to advance strategic and high-impact science. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s commitment to science excellence and sector partnership has not changed and it will continue to invest in research and strengthen collaborations with industry groups, governments, universities and colleges, and other key stakeholders in Canada and internationally. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada remains committed to organic and regenerative farming science. Research supporting the organic sector continues across the Department’s national network of research and development centres in collaboration with partners. This approach ensures continued support for innovation and the long-term growth and competitiveness of Canada’s organic sector. In the future, the organically managed land at Swift Current Research and Development Centre can also serve as a reference for comparisons with conventionally managed systems or be used directly for organic crop research.