GGC Statement on Minister’s Commitment to Transparency and Consultation on AAFC Cuts

OTTAWA, Feb. 26, 2026 — Over the past week, Grain Growers of Canada met with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to reinforce its call for clarity on Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) staffing reductions and research facility closures impacting Canada’s grain sector.

In that regard, the Minister committed to transparency and consultation in the near future with grain farmers on these reductions and the immediate and long-term plan for AAFC investment in grains-related research.

Grain farmers from across the country participated in these meetings, emphasizing concerns around announced reductions and their potential impacts on research capacity, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.

GGC continues to call for clear, program-level disclosure to ensure producers and research partners understand what capacity may be affected and how grain farmers and other research partners may respond.

Canada’s grain farmers rely on stable, predictable program environments to support productivity and growth. As conversations around program delivery, staffing and departmental resources continue, GGC is calling for clearer communication and transparency in advance of decisions to ensure producers understand the potential implications for their investments, operations and the broader sector.

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About Grain Growers of Canada (GGC):

As the national voice for Canada’s grain farmers, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) represents over 100,000 producers through our 15 national, provincial and regional grower groups. Our members steward 120 million acres of land to grow food for Canadians and for 160 countries around the world, creating $45 billion in export value annually. As the farmer-driven association for the grains sector, GGC champions federal policies that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Hana Sabah
Sr. Communications Manager
Grain Growers of Canada
hana@graingrowers.ca | 514-834-8841