The Canadian government has announced plans to gradually phase out activities at its research facility in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, within the next year. The seed increase division will be relocated to the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre by 2028. This move comes as part of an effort to streamline operations, with the unit set to operate from both locations in 2027 to facilitate the transition.
The seed increase unit is responsible for producing and supplying breeder seeds to certified growers for multiplication and eventual sale as certified seed. This decision follows a collaborative agreement between 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 of understanding, the provincial government will assume ownership of the land as the federal government phases out its activities. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada emphasized its continued dedication to supporting the Canadian seed industry, meeting breeder seed demands, and upholding pedigreed seed quality standards.
The future plans for the Indian Head and Scott research farms remain uncertain without the presence of the seed increase unit. Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit expressed ongoing negotiations with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to determine the fate of the remaining land post-closure, while also collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural sector to devise a strategy for the research farmland.