The federal government has announced plans to gradually close down its research farm 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. This unit is responsible for producing and supplying breeder seeds to certified seed growers for multiplication and sale.
The decision follows a recent agreement 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. As part of the memorandum of understanding, the province will assume ownership of the land as the federal operations cease.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada emphasized its continued commitment to supporting the Canadian seed industry, meeting breeder seed demands, and maintaining high standards for pedigreed seeds. However, the future plans for the Indian Head and Scott research farms remain uncertain in the absence of the seed increase unit.
Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit stated that ongoing discussions are underway with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the fate of the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott as the federal government wraps up its activities. The provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural sector to devise a strategy for the research farmland.