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 will be relocated to the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre by 2028. This move aims to facilitate a smooth transition, with the unit set to operate from both facilities in 2027 to aid in the process.

The primary function of the unit is to propagate and distribute breeder seeds to pedigreed growers for multiplication and eventual sale as certified seed. The decision to transition operations follows a recent memorandum of understanding signed by the federal and provincial governments to preserve the Indian Head and Scott research farms from closure. Under this agreement, the province will assume control 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 sector, meeting breeder seed demands, and upholding pedigreed seed quality standards. However, the future plans for the Indian Head and Scott research farms remain uncertain in the absence of the seed increase unit.

Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit stated that negotiations are underway with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the fate of the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott as federal operations wind down. Additionally, the provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural industry to formulate a strategy for the research farmland’s future utilization.