Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will be shutting down seven research facilities nationwide, including two satellite research farms in Saskatchewan. The affected farms, located in Scott and near Indian Head, are crucial for enhancing crop production on the Prairies. Indian Head Mayor Steven Cole expressed shock upon learning about the impending closure, highlighting the farm’s 140-year history in the community.
According to Cole, operations in Indian Head may cease in the next four to six months, impacting approximately 30 full-time employees who will either lose their jobs or have to consider relocating. The federal department announced a total reduction of 665 positions across the country, with nearly 1,050 employees receiving notices on the same day.
The closure of the research farm in Indian Head holds sentimental value for Cole, as it has been a part of his family’s history for generations. The decision is part of the government’s efforts to streamline the public service budget, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada emphasizing its commitment to maintaining its position as the country’s primary agricultural research organization.
The satellite farms in Saskatchewan play a crucial role in improving crop yields, as noted by Richard Gray, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan specializing in agricultural economics. Gray emphasized the importance of supporting research that enhances productivity and sustainability in the province. The closure of satellite farms in other provinces, including Nova Scotia and Manitoba, along with the shutdown of research centers in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta, further underscores the impact of these budgetary decisions on agricultural research and development efforts.