The federal government has announced plans to gradually cease operations at 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 phase in 2027 involving operations at both sites to facilitate the move.
This unit specializes in propagating and distributing breeder seeds to pedigreed growers for multiplication and eventual sale as certified seed. The decision to transfer operations follows a recent agreement between federal and provincial authorities aimed at preserving the Indian Head and Scott research farms, which were initially slated for closure by the federal government, alongside five other research facilities nationwide.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the provincial government will assume control of the land as the 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.
However, the future plans for the Indian Head and Scott research farms beyond the seed increase unit relocation remain uncertain. Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit stated that negotiations are underway with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to determine the fate of the remaining land at the research sites. Collaborative efforts with the Saskatchewan agricultural industry are also in progress to devise a strategy for the utilization of the research farmland.
