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 transition between both facilities in 2027 to facilitate the move.
This unit is responsible for multiplying and selling breeder seeds to pedigreed growers for certification. The decision to transfer operations 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. Under the memorandum, the province will assume ownership of the land as the federal government phases out its activities.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada emphasized its continued commitment to supporting the Canadian seed industry, meeting breeder seed demands, and upholding standards for pedigreed seeds. However, 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 stated in a release that ongoing discussions are ongoing with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada about the future utilization of the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott. The provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural sector to devise a strategy for the research farmland.
