The federal and Saskatchewan governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to keep the Scott and Indian Head research sites operating while both work to find alternatives to maintain ag research and innovation.
According to a news release from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), under the MOU, Ottawa and Saskatchewan will "explore possible interim arrangements that allow the two research farms to remain productive assets for the agriculture sector. This supports the ongoing stewardship of the properties while the federal government advances the established disposal process in accordance with Treasury Board requirements."
AAFC also said it "will continue to invest in science and strengthen collaborations with industry, governments, academia, and other key stakeholders in Canada and internationally. These efforts advance shared science priorities through activities at its centres and through regional and national initiatives to support the agriculture and agri-food sector."
During a news conference Friday in Halifax, Nova Scotia, after the FPT meetings, Federal Agriculture Minister Heath McDonald was asked if he is doing similar work with other provinces.
"Yes, certainly, we've had discussions with most," McDonald answered. "From the beginning we said we're not going to do less science, we're going to do more streamlined science, we're going to be more appropriate and exact, we're going to combine our effort with academia, with provincial governments, and first and foremost, stakeholders, so farmers and ranchers. I mean, so that's kind of where we're at, and we're working our way through that, and I believe we have a good path forward."
In a news release Friday afternoon, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said the Indian Head and Scott research farms "are an important part of a research network that keeps Saskatchewan agriculture competitive."
"This MOU gives us the opportunity to work with industry to ensure agricultural activities continue at these sites with a made-in-Saskatchewan solution that supports producers, maintains research capacity and helps protect our reputation as a supplier of high-quality crops." Marit added.
The province notes the Ministry of Agriculture "has been working with industry stakeholders to create a new operating model for Indian Head and Scott. This MOU supports the Government of Saskatchewan and industry to advance this work and ensure the two research farms remain productive assets for the agriculture sector in the province."
The latest development comes months after the initial announcement from the federal government that all federal departments had to find savings of approximately 15 per cent over three years as part of efforts to reduce spending.
AAFC made the decision to close seven research sites across the country, including the Scott and Indian Head locations in Saskatchewan, over the next year. The cuts at AAFC impacted about 665 jobs.
Farm groups embrace the announcement
Several Saskatchewan farm groups approved the announcement.
"Sincere thanks to Ministers MacDonald and Marit for their commitment to maintain Saskatchewan's position as a centre of excellence for crop innovation at Indian Head and Scott," SaskOilseeds Chair Dean Roberts said. "Continued investment in research will help provide long-term success and resilience for our farms."
"SaskOats welcomes this MOU to explore interim arrangements to keep Indian Head and Scott Research Farms operating. These sites have long supported the research that underpins yield gains and agronomic advances for growers across the Prairies," SaskOats Chair Elwood White said. "SaskOats is grateful for the leadership Saskatchewan has taken on this file and the willingness of the Government of Canada to work through this process with us. SaskOats has also been very pleased to be an active participant on the joint Government and Commission committee and will continue that collaboration to work towards outcomes that serve the long-term interest of producers. Growers are hopeful that other provinces will pursue similar arrangements, especially at Lacombe Research Centre in Alberta."
"Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) thanks the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for working together to explore arrangements to continue the capacity for research at Indian Head and Scott," WGRF Board Chair Laura Reiter said. "WGRF funds many research projects at Indian Head and Scott that have delivered results that farmers use on their farm today and will continue to benefit farmers for years to come."
"Research is key for the Saskatchewan Agriculture sector to remain globally competitive and to satisfy the needs of our global customers," Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) Chair Stuart Lawrence said. "SPG applauds the Federal and Provincial governments in signing the MOU and taking this step to save critical infrastructure and resources that enable research in Saskatchewan."
"Indian Head and Scott are critical to Saskatchewan's research capacity – you do not replace that overnight, and you do not replace it by walking away. We recognize the leadership shown by Minister Marit and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture in getting this MOU done," Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission Chair Cody Glenn said. "SaskBarley welcomes it as a concrete step to keep these sites productive, and we are committed to working with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the province, and industry to build that capacity for the long term."
"We are thrilled to see these stations will continue to support agricultural research," SaskSeed Executive Director Chris Barker said. "We appreciate Minister Marit’s hard work in making this happen and look forward to working together on the next steps."
