The federal government has announced plans to gradually cease activities at its research farm located in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, within the next year. As part of this transition, the seed increase unit will be relocated to the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre by 2028. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada revealed in a recent statement that the unit will operate at both sites in 2027 to facilitate the shift.
Specializing in propagating and supplying breeder seeds to pedigreed growers for multiplication and eventual sale as certified seed, the unit plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector. This decision follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the federal and provincial governments to preserve the Indian Head and Scott research farms, which were initially slated for closure along with five other research facilities nationwide.
Under the terms of the memorandum, the provincial government will assume ownership of the land as the federal operations wind down. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada emphasized its ongoing commitment to supporting the Canadian seed industry, meeting breeder seed demands, and upholding pedigreed seed quality standards.
The future plans for the Indian Head and Scott research farms remain uncertain without the presence of the seed increase unit. Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit stated that negotiations are underway with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the disposition of the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott as federal activities conclude. Additionally, the provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural sector to devise a strategy for the utilization of the research farmland.