The federal government announced plans to gradually reduce activities at its research farm located in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, over the next twelve months. As part of the transition, 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 during 2027, the unit will operate from both sites to facilitate the shift.
The primary role of the unit is to propagate and distribute breeder seeds to pedigreed 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 to preserve the Indian Head and Scott research farms, which were initially slated for closure along with five other research facilities nationwide.
Under the memorandum, the province will assume ownership of the land as the federal government phases out its activities. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reiterated its commitment to supporting the Canadian seed sector, meeting breeder seed demands, and maintaining pedigreed seed quality standards.
The fate of the Indian Head and Scott research farms post the relocation of the seed increase unit remains uncertain. Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit stated that discussions are ongoing with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the future use of the remaining land at the research farms. Additionally, the provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural industry to devise a strategy for the farmland dedicated to research purposes.