Saskatoon Research and Development Centre
The Saskatoon Research and Development Centre (Saskatoon RDC) was established in 1917 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is one of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres.
The Centre is associated with three satellite locations:
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Melfort Research Farm, Melfort, SK
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Scott Research Farm, Scott, SK
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The Canada-Saskatchewan Irrigation Diversification Centre (CSIDC), Outlook, SK
Areas of Research
The Saskatoon RDC develops integrated crop management strategies for sustainable cropping systems and conducts research in key areas of agro-ecosystem resilience, crop germplasm development, innovation for value chain growth, and sustainable and profitable agri-systems.
The centre also maintains and manages the Canadian Animal Genetic Resource (CAGR) program to preserve the genetic diversity of Canadian livestock and poultry breeds, and to develop new techniques to conserve germplasm.
Saskatoon RDC is the national headquarters for the Plant Gene Resources of Canada (PGRC). PGRC is a vital national resource with a mandate to acquire, preserve and provide access to genetically diverse plant material (germplasm) of cultivated plants and their wild relatives with an emphasis on germplasm relevant to Canada.
The Scott research farm is one of seven sites where field trials on potential pest management tools and technologies are conducted for AAFC’s Minor Use Pesticides Program. The Canada-Saskatchewan Irrigation Diversification Centre is a federal/provincial/industry/university partnership that is dedicated to sustainable irrigated crop production.
Sector Needs
The Saskatoon RDC supports innovative research, development, technology and knowledge transfer activities related to the following AAFC Science Sector Strategies:
