Canada and Saskatchewan Agree to Keep Two Research Farms Open

The federal government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to keep the Indian Head and Scott research farms operational while the federal government proceeds with their disposal. The agreement was reached during the annual federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers' meeting in Halifax.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada had previously declared the properties surplus and slated them for closure as part of a broader mandate to reduce departmental spending by approximately 15 percent over three years, which included the closure of seven research sites nationwide. Under the MOU, both governments will explore interim arrangements to ensure the sites remain productive assets for the agriculture sector while the federal disposal process continues under Treasury Board requirements.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit stated the goal is to implement a "made-in-Saskatchewan solution" to preserve research capacity and competitiveness. Officials will now negotiate operational details, including potential long-term leases and funding from commodity commissions. The agreement does not include the reinstatement of the organic program at Swift Current.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath McDonald indicated that the government is pursuing a strategy to streamline science through collaborations with academia, provincial governments, and stakeholders. He noted that similar discussions are occurring with other provinces to maintain the value of agricultural assets.