The federal government has announced plans to gradually close down 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, with a transitional period in 2027 operating between both facilities. This unit is responsible for propagating and distributing breeder seeds to pedigreed growers for multiplication and eventual sale as certified seed.

The decision 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 initially slated for closure by the federal government along with five other research sites nationwide. As part of the agreement, the province will assume control of the land as the federal operations cease.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada emphasized its continued 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 beyond the seed increase unit relocation remain uncertain.

Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit stated that negotiations are ongoing with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding the fate of the remaining land at Indian Head and Scott as federal operations wind down. The provincial government is collaborating with the Saskatchewan agricultural industry to devise a comprehensive strategy for utilizing the research farmland.