The federal government has announced plans to gradually scale down activities at its research farm located in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, within the next year. The seed increase unit will be relocated to the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre by 2028. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada disclosed in a press release on Friday that the unit will operate from both sites in 2027 to facilitate a smooth transition.
This unit is responsible for propagating and distributing breeder seeds to certified growers for multiplication and subsequent sale as certified seed. The decision follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the federal and provincial governments to preserve the Indian Head and Scott research farms. Initially slated for closure by the federal government, along with five other research facilities nationwide, the farms will now be transferred to provincial jurisdiction as federal operations cease.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reiterated its commitment to supporting the Canadian seed sector by meeting breeder seed demands and maintaining pedigreed seed quality standards. The future plans for the Indian Head and Scott research farms remain uncertain without the seed increase unit in place.
Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit affirmed ongoing negotiations between the government and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the fate of the remaining land within the Indian Head and Scott properties. Additionally, he mentioned collaborative efforts with the Saskatchewan agricultural sector to devise a strategy for the utilization of the research farmland.