Saskatoon Research and Development Centre

The Saskatoon Research and Development Centre (Saskatoon RDC) was established in 1917 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres. 

The Centre is associated with three satellite locations:

• Melfort Research Farm, Melfort, SK

• Scott Research Farm, Scott, SK

• 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.  

Search Research projects from the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre to learn more about what we do.

Sector Needs

The Saskatoon RDC carries out innovative research, development, technology and knowledge transfer activities in support of the AAFC's Strategic Plan for Science, which includes:

• Oilseeds

Saskatoon RDC is one of Canada’s National Oilseed Research Centres of Excellence. Research in agronomy, crop management and variety development fosters new areas of opportunity and keeps the oilseed sector competitive. New crops adapted to the prairies (Brassica carinata and Camelina sativa) are creating novel products and expanding markets for oilseed crops. Improving food, feed and industrial quality characteristics of Brassicas and related species, establishes new crop platforms for bioproducts and biofuels and supports the emerging global bioeconomy.

• Agro-ecosystem resilience

Research aims to enhance the environmental performance and sustainability of oilseed production systems. This includes the development of land and crop management practices to improve productivity and efficiency, irrigation strategies and our fundamental understanding of nutrient dynamics in agroecosystems.

• Biodiversity and bioresources

Plant and animal germplasm is acquired and characterized to identify superior characteristics for use in science and breeding programs. This includes:

• Characterizing ecological and evolutionary processes relevant to agricultural crops to ensure efficient conservation of genetic diversity of cultivated plants of relevance for Canada and their wild relatives to prevent genetic erosion.
• Acquiring and characterizing material for plant breeders for existing and new crops; screening germplasm relevant to Canada for disease resistance; characterizing plants with improved traits such as drought resistance. Development and refinement of techniques for successful conservation of animal germplasm from different livestock.

• Clean technologies

Research into agri-based bioproducts and clean technologies which contribute to clean growth and a reduction in Canada’s GHG footprint. This includes working with agri-based industry to capitalize on emerging crop biomass feedstock opportunities to create added value, developing and evaluating microbial agents for biological control of weeds, plant pathogens and arthropod pests, and addressing agri-environmental challenges related to GHG and climate change mitigation through the application of innovative technologies, including precision agriculture.

Meet our Scientists

Find out more about the scientists at Saskatoon Research and Development Centre through their profiles below.

You can also visit the Fields of Science campaign featuring 11 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists from coast to coast. Discover why they chose to pursue a career in agriculture and learn more about their research.