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, with a transitional period in 2027 operating in both facilities to facilitate the move.
This unit is responsible for propagating and distributing breeder seeds to pedigreed growers for multiplication and eventual sale as certified seed. This 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 by federal authorities, along with five other research sites nationwide.
Under the memorandum, the province will assume ownership of the land as the federal operations wind down. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada emphasized its continued commitment to supporting the Canadian seed sector, meeting breeder seed demands, and upholding pedigreed seed quality standards.
The fate of the Indian Head and Scott research farms, beyond the seed increase unit’s relocation, remains uncertain. Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit stated that negotiations are ongoing with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the future use of the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott. Additionally, the provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural industry to devise a strategy for repurposing the research farmland.