The federal government has announced plans to gradually close operations at its research farm located in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, over the next year. The seed increase unit will be relocated to the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre by 2028, with a transitional period in 2027 where it will function at both locations. This unit is responsible for producing and distributing breeder seeds to authorized growers for multiplication and eventual sale as certified seed.
This decision follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the federal and provincial governments aimed at preserving the Indian Head and Scott research farms, which were initially slated for closure along with five other research facilities nationwide. As part of the agreement, the province will assume control of the land as the federal government phases out its operations.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada emphasized its ongoing commitment to supporting the Canadian seed sector, ensuring the fulfillment of breeder seed requests, and maintaining pedigreed seed quality standards. However, the future plans for the Indian Head and Scott research farms, particularly in the absence of the seed increase unit, remain uncertain.
Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit stated that negotiations are underway with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the utilization of the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott as federal operations wind down. Additionally, the provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural industry to devise a strategy for the future use of the research farmland.