What's the impact: Discussing agriculture research centre closures
From Inputs - by Top Crop Manager by Top Crop Manager
April 1, 2026 · 1h 5m · Episode 114
About this episode
The episode discusses the impact of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's decision to close research centres and eliminate positions on Canadian agriculture.
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…
People in this episode
Hosts: Kaitlin Berger, Jill Filmer
Guests: Lori Oatway, David Gehl, Dr Sylvain Charlebois
Topics covered
- agriculture
- research
- employment
- impact of cuts
Keywords
- AAFC
- research centres
- Canadian agriculture
- industry experts
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Inputs
Places: Guelph, Ont, Quebec City, Que, Lacombe, Alta, Nappan, N.S., Scott, Sask
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