The federal government has announced plans to gradually scale back activities at its research farm located in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, within the next year. As part of the transition, the seed increase unit will be relocated to the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre by 2028. This unit is responsible for propagating and distributing breeder seeds to certified seed growers for multiplication and sale.
The decision follows a recent agreement between the federal and provincial governments to preserve the Indian Head and Scott research farms, which were initially slated for closure by the federal government, along with five other research facilities nationwide. Under the memorandum of understanding, the province will assume ownership of the land as federal operations wind down.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada affirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting the Canadian seed sector, meeting breeder seed demands, and upholding pedigreed seed quality standards. However, the future plans for the Indian Head and Scott research farms without the seed increase unit remain uncertain.
Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit stated that negotiations are underway with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the future utilization of the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott as federal operations conclude. The provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural industry to formulate a comprehensive strategy for the research farmland.