Canada, U.S. and Mexico commit to strengthen North American agri-food

Tri-National Agricultural Accord held in Niagara Falls

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

During the 25^th Tri-National Agricultural Accord, more than 70 delegates from Canada, the United States and Mexico committed to strengthening North America’s agri-food competitiveness and increasing global agri-food exports.

Led by Ontario Minister of Agriculture Jeff Leal, Mexico’s Hector Padilla Gutierrez, the Secretary of Rural Development of Jalisco and Jeff Witte, Secretary of Agriculture for New Mexico, signed a joint communique to help develop stronger relationships between the three countries, and advance food production and processing.

“By working with two of our largest trading partners to bring our agri-food sector priorities to the table, we are helping further strengthen Ontario’s agri-food trade and export and our competitive food processing sector,” Minister Leal said in a release.

Last year, Ontario agriculture contributed $36.4 billion in GDP.

Industry representatives say the agreement can help all three countries have a larger role in the global agri-food sector.

“Hosting the Tri-National in Ontario creates a great opportunity for our farmers to showcase the high-quality, delicious food that is grown across our province,” Don McCabe, president of Ontario Federation of Agriculture said in a release. “The Ontario Federation of Agriculture welcomes this unique opportunity for our three countries to collaborate on issues of mutual interest with the goal of stimulating our markets both at home and abroad.”

The Tri-National was held in Niagara Falls, Ontario from October 26 to 28.