The federal government has announced plans to gradually reduce 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 this information in a press release on Friday, mentioning that the unit will operate in both locations during 2027 to facilitate the transition process.
This unit is responsible for propagating and distributing breeder seeds to pedigreed growers for multiplication and eventual 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, which were initially slated for closure by the federal government, along with five other research facilities nationwide.
Under this agreement, the province will assume ownership of the land as the federal government ceases its operations. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reiterated its dedication to supporting the Canadian seed sector, 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 seed increase unit. Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit expressed that negotiations were ongoing between the government and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott as federal operations wind down. Additionally, the provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural sector to devise a strategy for the research farmland.
