The federal government has announced plans to gradually cease operations at its research farm located in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, within the next year. The seed increase unit currently based at the farm will be relocated to the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre by 2028, with a transitional phase in 2027 involving operations at both sites to facilitate the move.
Responsible for propagating and dispersing breeder seeds to certified seed growers for multiplication and sale, the unit’s relocation follows a recent agreement between federal and provincial authorities to preserve the Indian Head and Scott research farms. Initially slated for closure by the federal government, along with five other research facilities nationwide, the memorandum of understanding grants provincial oversight of the land upon the federal operations’ shutdown.
Emphasizing continued support for the Canadian seed sector and the maintenance of pedigreed seed standards, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada affirmed its commitment to fulfilling breeder seed requests despite the impending closure of the seed increase unit. The fate of the Indian Head and Scott research farms post-relocation remains uncertain, with ongoing negotiations between the federal government and provincial authorities to determine future land usage.
Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit expressed involvement in discussions with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to outline plans for the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott research farms as federal operations wind down. Collaboration with the Saskatchewan agricultural industry is underway to devise a strategy for the utilization of the research farmland.
