Central Experimental Farm
In 1886, Canada established the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, Ontario. The Farm became the centre of research activities to improve agriculture and crops. At the same time, four other research farms were created in the following parts of the country: Nappan, Nova Scotia, Brandon, Manitoba, Indian Head, Saskatchewan and Agassiz, British Columbia.
Over a hundred years later, the Central Farm still exists, it still conducts scientific study on plants and crops, and it still houses the federal head offices of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. The network of experimental stations has grown from the original four plus the Central Farm, to a total of 19 research stations across Canada. The Cereal Research Centre in Winnipeg focuses on cereals including wheat.
In 1998, the government declared the Farm a National Historic Site and shifted focus to include historical education and recreation, acknowledging the Farm's significance in the evolution of agriculture in Canada.
Today the Farm and surrounding 400 hectares of land hosts tours, exhibitions and activities-all designed to raise the profile and understanding of agriculture in Canada, then and now. For instance, a visit to the Agricultural Museum on the site, can introduce you to unique plants, a variety of tree and shrub species, and a hedge collection that dates back to 1891. At the Museum you can also follow the changes in threshing machines over the years and glimpse how technology shapes agriculture.