Resolutions

Whereas the 2026 Federal Budget called for the downsizing and/or closure of long-standing research farms across the prairies, including locations near the Town of Indian Head and the Town of Scott; and

Whereas these research farms play an essential role in ensuring the long-term economic success of prairie agriculture and food security through the development and testing of seed and farming practices that are particularly beneficial to Saskatchewan parkland and grassland; and

Whereas this agricultural development plays a key role in the provincial economy as well as the local economies surrounding urban municipalities, where producers conduct their business and have their crops processed; and

Whereas the anticipated losses from the closure of these facilities are approximately 35 FTEs, 25 summer students and graduate trainees, and as much as $400M in agricultural sector losses in the first year, in addition to tertiary losses in both urban and rural municipalities;

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Canada to pause and review any research farm closures or downsizing decisions pending a full, public impact assessment.