Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to present this petition on behalf of farmers across this country who have signed this petition.
They cite that, in January, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced plans to cut 665 positions, primarily scientific, technical and support staff carrying out agricultural research, and close seven research facilities. They cite that the affected positions and facilities are essential to Canadian agriculture, representing an irreplaceable investment in facilities, equipment and highly educated personnel; an irreplaceable knowledge base; essential infrastructure for public plant breeding needed to address critical production challenges to provide ongoing success for farmers and our agricultural economy; and a strategic asset to safeguard Canadians' ability to feed ourselves.
They call on the government to reverse these planned cuts of 665 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada staff and the closure of the organic and regenerative research program at Swift Current and of the Lacombe, Guelph, Quebec City, Indian Head, Scott, Portage la Prairie and Nappan research facilities.