The County of Stettler’s Agriculture Service Board (ASB) will send an official letter to the federal government voicing concern about the proposed closure of an important agriculture research centre in Alberta.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced earlier this year the Lacombe Research Centre would likely be closed as a cost-saving measure; the outcry from the farm community in Alberta and elsewhere was palpable.

The County of Stettler’s ASB obviously feels the same way, as the board approved a letter to be sent to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Heath McDonald voicing concern about the proposed closure of a farm research centre that’s almost as old as Alberta itself.

“On behalf of the County of Stettler Agricultural Services Board, I am writing to formally convey our opposition to the announced closure of the Lacombe Research and Development Centre, which has been a pillar of agricultural innovation for 119 years,” stated the ASB letter to be signed by Chair Allan Gano. “As a municipality where the agricultural sector serves as the primary economic and social pillar, we view the cessation of operations at this historic facility as a detrimental move that undermines the stability and future advancement of the industry in Central Alberta.

“The Lacombe Research Station holds a position of irreplaceable importance due to its location within the Black Soil Zone. The environmental variables inherent to our local landscape, including unique moisture profiles and specific pest cycles, necessitate the presence of a dedicated research hub to ensure that the advice provided to our producers remains both relevant and scientifically sound.

“Furthermore, the loss of localized variety testing and integrated livestock research represents a significant erosion of the provincial agricultural infrastructure. The research conducted at Lacombe has historically translated into tangible increases in yield and efficiency for our local producers, thereby contributing directly to the fiscal health of our municipality and the broader province.

“The producers of the County of Stettler and the wider Black Soil Zone rely on this institutional expertise to mitigate operational risks and to ensure the long-term stewardship of our agricultural lands."

“We urge you to reconsider this decision and to explore alternative frameworks that would allow the Lacombe Research and Development Centre to continue its essential work,” added the Stettler ASB letter.

During discussion, board members noted they had decided through resolution at a previous meeting to send this letter to the federal government. The board accepted the letter as information.

Later in the meeting, as the board considered correspondence it received, more opposition to the proposed closure was evident.

Clearwater County’s ASB forwarded a letter the organization is also sending to the federal government. “As an Agricultural Service Board, we see firsthand how federal research supports on-farm decision-making, extension services, and innovation at the local level,” noted Clearwater County’s letter signed by its ASB Chair Aaron Terpsma. “We respectfully urge the Government of Canada to reconsider the proposed funding cuts and potential closure of the Lacombe Research Centre, and to engage meaningfully with municipalities, Agricultural Service Boards, producers, and research partners when assessing regional impacts.”

The Stettler ASB read another letter of opposition to the proposed closure, this one from Northern Sunrise County’s ASB. “We have profound concerns regarding the closure of a federal research institute with 119 years of agricultural innovation and scientific advancement,” stated Northern Sunrise County’s letter signed by its ASB Chair Simon Lavoie. “Closing this facility risks the loss of decades of institutional knowledge, established research programs, and the collaborative networks built with universities, producers, and industry partners.”