Federal Closures Threaten Millions in Saskatchewan Agricultural Research

The planned closure of two federal agricultural research farms in Saskatchewan could significantly impact the province’s agricultural sector, leading to potential losses in the millions. According to Richard Gray, an agricultural economist at the University of Saskatchewan, the closures of the Scott and Indian Head satellite research farms are part of a broader effort by the federal government to achieve budget savings through the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

Gray emphasized that these research sites are vital for the development of higher-yielding crop varieties, which directly influence crop yields, food prices, and the overall economy of Saskatchewan. He noted, “There’s historically very high returns to applied agricultural research,” pointing to numerous studies that underscore its importance.

Research facilities like the Scott and Indian Head farms play a crucial role in plant breeding, serving as essential testing locations for new crop varieties developed by breeders. “These research stations are sites where varieties and lines that breeders have created are tested,” Gray explained. The closure of these sites may hinder the advancement of improved crop varieties unless equivalent resources are allocated elsewhere.

The economic ramifications of slower progress in plant breeding could be substantial, particularly in Saskatchewan, where crops such as wheat are a major economic contributor. Gray stated, “When you get, for example, wheat, which is about a $10 billion industry, even a one percent advancement is $10 million a year.” This benefit compounds over time, resulting in significant financial implications for the province.

Historically, the Indian Head research farm has supported various breeding and agronomy programs, including collaborations with the Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation, a producer-run non-profit organization that partners with the federal government. Gray pointed out that these partnerships not only enhance research capacity but also lead to cost savings for the government. “That really lowered the costs of breeding, the seed production, etc.,” he noted.

Concerns extend beyond the immediate closures of the research farms. Gray highlighted the lack of a transition plan for managing the land, facilities, and partnerships once the federal government withdraws. “This particular cut was made with — certainly the stakeholders or everybody involved in that farm didn’t get any advance notice,” he said, warning that without a clear strategy, valuable infrastructure and knowledge might be lost.

“If it was shuttered tomorrow, there would be a lot of knowledge stranded, a lot of assets stranded that would otherwise have a great deal of value in the future,” Gray added. The Indian Head research farm, established in 1887, was among the first five federal research farms, while the Scott Research Farm was founded in 1906.

Additionally, Gray noted that the closures could adversely affect rural communities and educational opportunities, as the Indian Head farm has historically supported local employment, student training, and public education programs. “It certainly keeps the town more viable. That, by itself, is important, and certainly people in the area would all recognize the historical significance of the farm,” he remarked.

In a statement, the AAFC confirmed it is identifying savings over three years while focusing on its core mandate. The department plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 665 positions and has issued notices to affected employees as of January 22, 2024. The closures will include three research and development centres and four satellite research farms across Canada, including the Scott and Indian Head sites. However, the department emphasized that there are no immediate plans for site closures. “Any wind-down of scientific operations would follow a careful decision process that could take up to 12 months,” the statement read.

The ultimate impact on Saskatchewan agriculture will depend on whether the federal government implements plans to repurpose the sites for continued research. Gray concluded, “With the proper plans in place, I think both in the short run and the long run, the impact can be minimized. But certainly, if these assets aren’t repurposed, there could be some very significant loss for Saskatchewan agriculture.” Other affected locations include research and development centres in Guelph, Ontario, Quebec City, Quebec, and Lacombe, Alberta, as well as satellite research farms in Nappan, Nova Scotia, and Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.