The federal government has announced the gradual closure of 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, with a transitional period in 2027 to facilitate the shift. This unit plays a crucial role in propagating and distributing breeder seeds to pedigreed growers for further multiplication and 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, originally slated for closure alongside five other research facilities nationwide. As part of the agreement, the province will assume ownership of the land upon the federal government’s cessation of operations.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada emphasized its ongoing commitment to supporting the Canadian seed sector, meeting breeder seed demands, and upholding pedigreed seed quality standards. 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 that negotiations are underway with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the utilization of the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott while federal operations wind down. Additionally, the provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural industry to devise a strategy for the research farmland.
