The federal government has announced plans to gradually close 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 phase in 2027 to facilitate the move. This unit is responsible for propagating and distributing breeder seeds to certified seed growers for multiplication and sale.
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 earmarked for closure along with five other research facilities nationwide. Under the memorandum, the province will assume ownership of the land as federal operations are phased out.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada emphasized its ongoing commitment to supporting the Canadian seed sector, meeting breeder seed demands, and maintaining pedigreed seed quality standards. The future plans for the Indian Head and Scott research farms, beyond the seed increase unit, remain uncertain.
Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit stated that negotiations are underway with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the fate of the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott as federal activities wind down. Additionally, the provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural sector to formulate a strategy for the research farmland’s future use.