Saskatoon, SK (Rural Roots Canada) – The federal and Saskatchewan governments have signed an agreement to explore a new operating model for two federal agriculture research farms slated for closure.
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit signed a memorandum of understanding following last week’s federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers’ meeting in Halifax. The agreement commits both governments to work with industry on approaches to maintain operations at the Indian Head and Scott Research Farms.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced earlier this year it would close the two Saskatchewan facilities, along with others across the country, as part of broader changes to its research network. The decision raised concerns from producer organizations, researchers, agronomists, and more about the loss of agricultural research infrastructure.
Marit said the agreement provides an opportunity to develop a Saskatchewan-led solution that keeps research activities operating while supporting producers and maintaining competitiveness.
“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 in a statement.
The Saskatchewan government said it had been working with industry stakeholders since the closures were announced to develop a new governance model for the two sites. Under the MOU, those discussions will continue with the feds.
The research farms have supported work on crop production, soil health, water management, forage and livestock systems and climate resilience for decades.
Related: House Committee Urges Ottawa to Reverse Ag Research Centre Closures
The agreement was welcomed by several Saskatchewan commodity organizations, which said maintaining research capacity is essential to the province’s agriculture sector.
SaskOilseeds Chair Dean Roberts praised the decision, saying that “continued investment in research will help provide long-term success and resilience for our farms.”
Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) Board Chair Laura Reiter agreed, noting the “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.”
Several organizations also expressed hope that similar arrangements could be made elsewhere.
Earlier this month, MacDonald said agricultural research remains a priority for the federal government, stressing the government doesn’t want to do less research, but that there needs to be improvements to the operational side of some research facilities.
The MOU doesn’t establish a final operating model or funding arrangement for Indian Head and Scott but commits both levels of government to continue working with industry towards a long-term solution intended to keep facilities operating as agriculture research centres.
Photo Credit – Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe Facebook page
