"Conrad says the Alberta government is mindful of the implications for long-standing research programs and the people affected by the decision. "It's early, we're concerned, we're actively talking and we'll do our very best to optimize," he says, noting that Alberta is a co-investor in some of the work conducted at Lacombe and sees the site as a critical part of the province's agricultural research ecosystem."
"The Lacombe station also works closely with Western Crop Innovation (WCI), a not-for-profit organization formerly known as the Field Crop Development Centre, which is based in the same community. Conrad acknowledges the need for collaboration to preserve research capacity in the region, saying Alberta wants to "preserve and optimize that agricultural research space... we really need it in this country, in this province.""
"Alberta's assistant deputy minister of primary agriculture, John Conrad, says the province is still absorbing the news but is already engaging with federal counterparts. While questions remain about whether Alberta could take on any displaced research projects, Conrad cautions against speculation, citing provincial budget pressures and the need for further discussions. Beyond research, Conrad highlights Alberta's continued focus on market access and emergency preparedness, as the province works to support producers amid global trade uncertainty and ongoing climate and disease risks."
The Alberta government has expressed concern over a federal plan that could close multiple AAFC research stations, including Lacombe. Provincial officials are already communicating with federal counterparts while assessing impacts on long-standing research programs and affected staff. Alberta is a co-investor in some Lacombe work and views the site as integral to its agricultural research ecosystem. The Lacombe station collaborates closely with Western Crop Innovation, and Alberta seeks partnerships to preserve regional research capacity. Provincial budget constraints limit immediate commitments to assume displaced projects. Alberta will continue focusing on market access and emergency preparedness to support producers amid trade, climate and disease risks.
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