REGINA — Following Saskatchewan's participation in the federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers meeting in Halifax on July 16, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable David Marit, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing to explore approaches to support continuity of operations at the Indian Head and Scott Research Farms.
The Indian Head and Scott Research Farms have played a vital role in advancing agricultural innovation for decades, supporting innovation in crop production, soil health, water management, forage and livestock systems and climate resilience under Saskatchewan's growing conditions. Continued research at these sites helps producers adopt new technologies, improve productivity and respond to evolving environmental and market challenges.
"The Indian Head and Scott Research Farms supported important agricultural research for many years and are an important part of a research network that keeps Saskatchewan agriculture competitive," Marit said. "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."
Since Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced the closures of the Saskatchewan sites, the ministry 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.
"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."
