A shuttered agricultural research facility in southeastern Alberta is getting a new lease on life under the direction of the County of Newell.

The Crop Diversification Centre South, located just outside Brooks, is being transformed into a collaborative hub for private sector agribusiness, applied research groups, and innovation-focused tenants. The move comes after years of underuse at the once-prominent research station, which dates back to the 1920s and has seen nearly $100 million in capital investment over the decades.

Now under municipal ownership, the 280-acre site is expected to house up to 25 organizations, including early anchor tenant Farming Smarter. The applied research group is spearheading a project to establish a potato-processing pilot facility, backed by provincial support and industry funding.

The redevelopment plan reflects a broader strategy by the County of Newell to preserve research infrastructure while boosting economic development. The facility includes labs, greenhouses, and irrigated plots—assets that officials believe are vital to the future of crop science and agri-food innovation in Alberta.

The county's acquisition ensures the facility remains dedicated to agriculture, and officials hope it will help attract new investment and skilled professionals to the region. While the province retains ownership of a similar site in Brooks focused on livestock research, the county's crop-focused redevelopment signals a renewed commitment to supporting producers and agri-tech startups.

As the site is repurposed, local leaders envision the facility becoming a showcase for agricultural advancement, sustainability, and economic resilience in rural Alberta.