Canada’s only federally funded organic agriculture research program has effectively come to an end after long-term research plots at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre in Saskatchewan were cultivated and prepared for other crops.

The plots had been maintained for 19 years and formed the foundation of a unique organic and regenerative agriculture research program operated by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). The cultivation of the land follows federal spending reductions that earlier this year targeted several agricultural research facilities and programs across the country.

Farm groups, organic organizations and opposition politicians had recently called on Ottawa to delay or reverse the decision. An all-party House of Commons agriculture committee also recommended that the federal government reconsider the closure of the organic research program and halt planned cuts to research facilities while further review takes place.

The Swift Current program was the only dedicated organic research initiative funded directly by the federal department. Researchers had used the plots to study crop production, soil health and management practices under organic farming conditions. Because the land had been managed organically for nearly two decades, it also contained a valuable long-term data record that many in the sector considered difficult or impossible to replace.

Organizations representing organic producers say the loss of the plots will affect ongoing research projects and limit future studies. They argue that long-term field trials provide information that helps farmers improve production practices and respond to changing market demands. Several groups also expressed concern that years of accumulated scientific data may no longer be available for future research.

The federal government announced earlier this year that a number of research centres, satellite farms and programs would be affected as departments work to reduce spending. Hundreds of positions across the research system are expected to be impacted. Government officials have stated that the affected operations would be wound down over time rather than shut immediately.

Supporters of the organic program contend the closure comes at a time when demand for research into lower-input and organic production systems remains strong. They also note that much of the work relied on partnerships and external funding sources in addition to federal support.

The decision has sparked concern across the agricultural community, with producer groups warning that the loss of specialized research capacity could have long-term consequences for innovation and competitiveness in Canada’s organic sector. While calls continue for the federal government to revisit the decision, the cultivation of the Swift Current plots marks the end of one of the country’s longest-running public organic research projects.