The Canadian government has announced plans to gradually scale down activities at its research facility located in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, within the next year. The seed increase department will be relocated to the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre by 2028, with a transitional period in 2027 involving operations at both sites to facilitate the shift.
This unit is responsible for reproducing and dispensing breeder seeds to authorized growers for multiplication and subsequent sale as certified seed. The decision follows the signing of a partnership agreement between federal and provincial authorities to preserve the Indian Head and Scott research farms, which were initially slated for closure by the federal government alongside five other research sites nationwide.
Under this agreement, the provincial government 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 upholding certified seed quality standards.
The fate of the Indian Head and Scott research farms post the relocation of the seed increase unit 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 the Indian Head and Scott facilities. Additionally, collaboration is underway between the provincial government and the Saskatchewan agricultural sector to devise a strategy for the utilization of the research farmland.