Saskatchewan Research Farms to Remain Open Under New Federal-Provincial Agreement

Operations at two key agricultural research farms in Saskatchewan will continue, reversing a previous decision by the federal government to close them. The provincial government has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to keep the research sites in Indian Head and Scott active.

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The Indian Head and Scott Research Farms supported important agricultural research for many years and are an important part of a research network that helps keep Saskatchewan agriculture competitive.

This agreement comes after AAFC announced in January that operations at these farms would be winding down. The province's Minister of Agriculture, David Marit, emphasized the historical importance of these farms, stating they "supported important agricultural research for many years and are an important part of a research network that helps keep Saskatchewan agriculture competitive."

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This MOU will see the governments of Saskatchewan and Canada work together to ensure agricultural activities continue at these sites while longer-term processes advance benefitting Saskatchewan producers.

The MOU outlines a collaborative effort between the Saskatchewan and Canadian governments to ensure agricultural activities persist at these locations. While specific research plans for the sites have not yet been detailed, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald assured that the properties will "support ongoing agricultural activities" and continue to serve a meaningful purpose, even if no longer required for federal programs.

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While these properties are no longer required for federal programs, we want to ensure this land continues to serve a meaningful purpose.

The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) welcomed the decision to keep the farms operational but expressed ongoing concerns about the future of other research sites slated for closure. The GGC urged Ottawa to take immediate action and provide long-term commitments to a coordinated, Canada-wide public research network, stressing that "incremental or temporary measures are not sufficient" for Canadian grain farmers who depend on consistent, well-funded research to remain competitive globally.

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Incremental or temporary measures are not sufficient.