The federal government has announced plans to gradually scale back activities at 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. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada disclosed in a recent press release that during 2027, the unit will operate from both sites to facilitate a smooth transition.
This unit is responsible for propagating and dispersing breeder seeds to authorized growers for reproduction and eventual sale as certified seed. The decision to transfer operations follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the federal and provincial governments to preserve the Indian Head and Scott research farms, which were among six research facilities 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 emphasized its ongoing commitment to supporting the Canadian seed industry, meeting breeder seed demands, and maintaining pedigreed seed quality standards.
While the fate of the Indian Head and Scott research farms remains uncertain without the seed increase unit, negotiations are underway between the provincial Agriculture Minister, David Marit, and the federal government to determine the future use of the remaining land. The provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural sector to devise a strategy for the research farmland.