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.

Dear Randy Goulden:

We are pleased to respond to the resolutions passed at the 2026 Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) convention. Please see the following response to the resolution directed to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture (ministry).

Resolution 2026-11 I Research Farm Closures Ministry Response:

The ministry recognizes the significant roles that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

research centres and satellite farms play within Saskatchewan's agricultural research ecosystem. These facilities contribute to agricultural innovation, support skilled employment, and work collaboratively with provincial and industry partners to advance farming practices relevant to Saskatchewan's parkland and grassland regions.

Recent federal decisions to reduce AAFC research capacity, including the planned closure of the Indian Head and Scott satellite research farms, will lower the federal research presence in Saskatchewan and place increased pressure on provinces and industry partners to support research and technologies needed for producers to adapt to production challenges. The ministry acknowledges the potential economic and community impacts associated with these changes, particularly for the municipalities and regions surrounding the affected sites.

Saskatchewan continues to make significant investments in agricultural research and commits approximately $37 million annually to support a competitive and resilient sector. In response to AAFC's divestment decisions, the ministry is working with stakeholders and industry partners to explore options through the divestiture process and identify ways to maintain research capacity.

The ministry will continue to engage federal counterparts, industry partners, and affected stakeholders to mitigate the impacts and support Saskatchewan's agricultural research system during this transition.

Thank you again for the opportunity to speak to this resolution.

Sincerely,

David Marit

Minister of Agriculture