The federal government has announced plans to gradually cease operations at its research farm located in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, within the next year. As part of this 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 press release on Friday that the unit will operate from both sites in 2027 to facilitate the shift.

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 the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the federal and provincial governments to preserve the Indian Head and Scott research farms. Initially slated for closure by the federal government, these farms are now set to be managed by the province as federal operations wind down.

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. The fate of the Indian Head and Scott research farms beyond the relocation of the seed increase unit remains uncertain.

Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit stated that negotiations are underway with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to determine the future use of the remaining land at the Indian Head and Scott sites. Additionally, the provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural industry to devise a comprehensive plan for the agricultural research land.