The future of the Indian Head and Scott Research Farms are more certain following a memorandum of understanding signed Thursday at the federal/provincial/territorial agriculture ministers’ annual conference in Halifax on Thursday.

Both research farms have been around for more than 100 years and agricultural organizations were very upset following the announcement by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to put both facilities on the closure list earlier this year. Scott and Indian Head were two of seven research facilities across the country included as part of a government-wide cost-cutting effort. Farm group says research at Indian Head and Scott has been vital in developing new farming practices and keeping Western Canadian farmers competitive.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald was asked if the MOU with Saskatchewan opens the door for other AAFC facilities slated for closure, such as the one at Lacombe, Alberta.

As for Scott and Indian Head, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said government officials will go through details on the operational side and whether it will include a long-term lease on the properties. Marit hopes to have a formal agreement in place by the end of the year.

(Photo-Facebook/Western Applied Resarch Corporation)