The federal government has announced plans to gradually close down 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. This transition will see the unit operating in both facilities during 2027 to facilitate a smooth shift.
Responsible for propagating and distributing breeder seeds to pedigreed growers for multiplication and eventual sale as certified seed, the unit plays a crucial role in the seed sector. The decision to wind down operations at the Indian Head farm follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the federal and provincial governments to preserve the Indian Head and Scott research farms. These farms, along with five other research facilities nationwide, were initially slated for closure by the federal government.
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 industry, meeting breeder seed demands, and upholding pedigreed seed quality standards.
With the seed increase unit’s relocation, the future plans for the Indian Head and Scott research farms remain uncertain. Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit emphasized ongoing negotiations with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the fate of the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott. Furthermore, collaboration with Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector is underway to devise a strategy for the research farmland’s future utilization.