The federal government has announced plans to gradually close its research farm located in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, within the next year. As part of the transition, the seed increase unit will be relocated to the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre by 2028. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada stated in a recent press release that the unit will operate from both sites in 2027 to facilitate the move.
The seed increase unit is responsible for propagating and distributing breeder seeds to pedigreed growers for multiplication and eventual sale as certified seed. This decision follows a memorandum of understanding signed by the federal and provincial governments to preserve the Indian Head and Scott research farms, which were initially slated for closure along with five other research facilities nationwide.
Under the memorandum, the province will assume ownership of the land as the federal government phases out its activities. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada affirmed its continued 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 remain uncertain without the seed increase unit. Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit mentioned ongoing discussions with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the fate of the remaining farmland as federal operations wind down. The provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural sector to devise a strategy for the research land.