2 Sask. research farms slated to close will now stay open

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada signed an MOU with the provincial Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday

Saskatchewan's Ministry of Agriculture and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced on Thursday that they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) ensuring two research farms in the province that had been scheduled to close will now stay open.

The MOU will allow the two research farms, in the towns of Scott and Indian Head, to remain productive assets for the agriculture sector, according to a news release.

“Agriculture is central to Saskatchewan’s communities and economy, and we want to ensure these properties support ongoing agricultural activities,” Heath McDonald, federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, said in the release.

The agreement came after negotiations at the annual federal-provincial-territorial agriculture minister's meeting in Halifax.

Earlier this year, AAFC announced it would be closing seven research operations across the country, including the two Saskatchewan satellite farms.

The cuts were part of federal efforts to tighten the public service budget.

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McDonald said that while the properties are no longer required for federal programs, the ministry wants to ensure the land continues to serve a meaningful purpose.

Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture David Marit said the MOU will help ensure these sites can benefit provincial producers in the long-term.

“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.

AAFC said it will continue to fund science to support agriculture and the agri-food sector.

Andrea Vera is a Regina-based journalist. You can reach her at andrea.vera@cbc.ca.