The CSIRO has confirmed during a Senate Estimates hearing today that there are no plans to downgrade the services of its Chiswick research facility near Armidale.

The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams sought answers after media reports last month suggested jobs would be cut at the facility.

Senator Williams said he has been reassured by the department that those reports are incorrect.

He said there are 48 staff employed at the F D McMaster Laboratory at Chiswick and there are no plans for any reduction in that number.

Senator Williams said this is excellent news and would be welcomed by the farming sector which depends on such facilities for research and support.