A nationwide closure of seven research facilities, including two satellite farms in Saskatchewan, is being carried out by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The affected farms, located in Scott and near Indian Head, are key centers for enhancing crop production on the Prairies. Indian Head Mayor Steven Cole expressed surprise at the impending shutdown of the longstanding farm, which has been a pillar of the community for 140 years.
According to Cole, operations in Indian Head may only continue for an additional four to six months, impacting approximately 30 full-time employees who may face unemployment or the need to relocate. The federal department announced a reduction of 665 positions nationwide, with nearly 1,050 employees receiving notices of the cuts. The closure of the Indian Head research farm is particularly significant for Cole as it holds a deep familial connection, with multiple generations having worked there.
These cutbacks are part of the federal government’s efforts to streamline the public service budget. Despite the closures, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada emphasized its commitment to remaining the country’s largest agricultural research organization, operating 17 research centers and farmland in all provinces.
The Saskatchewan satellite farms play a crucial role in improving crop yields, a task deemed essential by Richard Gray, a University of Saskatchewan professor specializing in agricultural economics. Gray stressed the importance of supporting research that enhances productivity and sustainability in the province, highlighting the need to redirect resources to ensure the continuity of valuable research efforts. In addition to the Saskatchewan closures, satellite farms in Nappan, N.S., and Portage la Prairie, Man., are also set to shut down, along with research centers in Guelph, Ont., Quebec City, and Lacombe, Alta.