Scott Research Farm gets potential lifeline under federal-provincial agreement

“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 issued Friday.

“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.”

The announcement drew support from Saskatchewan producer organizations.

Dean Roberts, chair of SaskOilseeds, said “continued investment in research will help provide long-term success and resilience for our farms.”

SaskOats chair Elwood White said the agreement is an important step toward preserving research that has contributed to higher yields and agronomic advances for Prairie growers, while expressing hope similar arrangements could be pursued at other research centres that were affected by the initial closure plan, including Lacombe, Alta.

Western Grains Research Foundation board chair Laura Reiter said research conducted at the Scott and Indian Head sites has “delivered results that farmers use on their farm today and will continue to benefit farmers for years to come.”

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers chair Stuart Lawrence said “research is key for the Saskatchewan Agriculture sector to remain globally competitive and to satisfy the needs of our global customers,” while Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission chair Cody Glenn described the agreement as “a concrete step” toward protecting research capacity for the long term.

SaskSeed executive director Chris Barker also welcomed the agreement, saying “we appreciate Minister Marit’s hard work in making this happen and look forward to working together on the next steps.”

The MOU is intended to support those efforts while governments and industry explore a long-term operating solution for the two sites.

The Scott and Indian Head research farms have supported agricultural research for decades in areas including crop production, soil health, water management, forage and livestock systems, and climate resilience.

“Continued research at these sites helps producers adopt new technologies, improve productivity and respond to evolving environmental and market challenges,” the province stated.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

Scott Research Farm gets potential lifeline under federal-provincial agreement

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