Lacombe Research & Development Centre Closure & Response

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has confirmed the Lacombe Research and Development Centre is among several federal research facilities slated for closure as part of a national workforce reduction. Lacombe County is deeply concerned about the impact this will have on affected employees and families, and on the long-term agricultural research capacity that has supported producers for generations.

Lacombe County and the City of Lacombe are working together to advocate for the reconsideration of this decision. This page serves as a central hub for updates, media releases, correspondence, and actions taken.

What we know right now

AAFC has stated the department’s workforce will be reduced by approximately 665 positions, and that notices were issued to 1,043 affected employees on January 22, 2026.
AAFC has indicated the wind-down of scientific operations could take up to 12 months, and that it is “too early” to provide final workforce impact details for each site.
The Lacombe site has been operating since the early 1900s and employs 100+ people (as reported publicly).

Note: Information is still evolving. The County will only post updates when they are confirmed and meaningful.

Why the Lacombe Research & Development Centre matters

The LRDC is not a legacy site—it remains an active and innovative research hub, contributing to Canada’s agricultural sustainability and competitiveness.

History Significance

The Centre has been advancing agricultural science since 1907. Its continuous long-term trials provide data that cannot simply be relocated or recreated.

High-Value Research

Current research continues into 2026 includes:

Disease resistance and monitoring
Crop and livestock genetics
Production efficiency
Net‑zero beef innovation

These projects have contributed more than $5 million in applied research in recent years. The Lacombe Research & Development Centre is home to Canada’s only federally operated meat sciences program.

Social and Economic impacts

The closure of this facility would directly impact more than 100 employees and their families, representing an economic and social loss that a small rural community such as Lacombe and Lacombe County cannot reasonably absorb.

The Centre is not only scientifically significant, but also a critical contributor to the identity, sustainability, and economic stability of the City of Lacombe, Lacombe County and surrounding municipalities.

Critical National Research Capacity

Publicly funded agricultural research ensures independent, unbiased, science-based findings that producers trust—not influenced by commercial interests. Losing this capacity creates a gap that private industry cannot easily fill.

“Our concern is the national consequence of losing publicly funded agricultural research capacity,” said Reeve John
Ireland. “In a time of global uncertainty and trade volatility, Canadian competitiveness depends on research that
supports producers, strengthens food systems, and improves productivity. If capacity like this is dismantled, it is
difficult—and in some cases impossible—to rebuild.”

Reeve John Ireland

Other Media & News Coverage

Latest News & Media Releases

What the City and County are doing

The City of Lacombe and Lacombe County are taking coordinated action, including:

Joint advocacy: preparing a joint letter requesting the federal government pause and reconsider the decision, and consult on impacts and alternatives.
- Joint advocacy letter (PDF)
Engagement with elected representatives: working with our local federal and provincial representatives to support advocacy and seek direct discussions with decision-makers.
Requested senior-level meetings: pursuing a virtual meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and/or senior AAFC officials to seek clarity on the decision rationale, timelines, impacts, and options.
Seeking accurate, on-the-ground information: working to identify a reliable AAFC point of contact for confirmed updates.
Workforce support and transition: researching available programs that may support affected employees and the community.

How can you help?

If you wish to share your concerns with the federal government, you can contact the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food:

Email: aafc.minister-ministre.aac@agr.gc.ca
Phone: (613) 773-1059

When writing, you may wish to include:

how the Lacombe Centre’s work affects producers and food security,
the impacts on local families and the regional economy,
the importance of long-term trials and the specialized land base,
a request to pause and consult before irreversible steps are taken.

Task Force Updates

Last updated: February 12, 2026

January 28, 2026 - City of Lacombe and Lacombe County form joint task force in response to announced closure of the Lacombe Research and Development Centre.
January 30, 2026 - Letter from Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation - RJ Sigurdson (PDF)
February 2, 2026 – Joint City/County advocacy package in progress.
February 4, 2026 – Joint letter sent to the Minister (link posted).
February 6, 2026 – Meeting request submitted to AAFC/Ministers Office.
February 9, 2026 - Media & News Links section added to page.
February 9, 2026 - MLA Johnson releases statement on closure of Research Station.
February 10, 2026 - New articles added to the Media & News Links section.
February 12, 2026 - New articles added to the Media & News Links section.

(We will post updates here as new, confirmed information becomes available.)

Media & News Links

Our municipalities remain committed to seeking a reconsideration of the decision and to advocating for long-term research capacity in Western Canada.

Questions?

Is the site closing immediately?
Public statements indicate there are no imminent site closures and that wind-down could take up to 12 months, but details remain limited.

How many people are affected?
Public reporting indicates 100+ employees at the Lacombe Centre; AAFC has reported national-level figures of 1,043 employees receiving notices.

Where can employees find federal contact information?
AAFC general contact information is available through the Government of Canada.

How can I help?

If you wish to share your concerns with the federal government, you can contact the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food: