Agriculture Canada is continuing work aimed at transferring ownership of a federal tree nursery at Indian Head, Sask.
However, the department’s agroforestry research will continue at Indian Head, even after the Prairie Shelterbelt Program ceases to operate Dec. 31, according to federal officials.
“The Prairie Shelterbelt Program will cease operations Dec. 31, 2013,” said Agriculture Canada spokesperson Patrick Girard.
“However, AAFC agroforestry research will continue on the grounds of the Agroforestry Development Centre.”
Girard said in an email that Ottawa completed a market appraisal of the tree nursery earlier this year. It is part of a divestiture process aimed at transferring ownership of the nursery.
Read Also
Agriculture ministers agree to AgriStability changes
federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million
The next steps include completing an environmental assessment, conferring with other federal department and crown corporations to determine if there is any program-related interest and communicating with provincial and municipal authorities, he added.
In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, First Nation bands with Treaty Land Entitlement rights must also be offered an opportunity to acquire federal assets.
Land that has not been transferred after those processes have been completed will be offered on the open market.
Girard said several parties have expressed interest in operating the nursery and distributing trees with a focus on the agricultural community.
“Agriculture Canada is providing any interested parties with relevant information to develop their potential business plans,” he said.
At least one group, the Western Canadian Tree Nursery Coalition, is in the process of completing a business plan to determine whether the Agroforestry Development Centre could be operated as a viable business.
There is no deadline at this time for open market offers, Girard added.
