New Path for Canada Mexico Farm Trade

Leaders discuss trade investment and innovation in agriculture

Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald, joined Mexican officials and private sector representatives for “Mexico-Canada Agribusiness Dialogue,” aimed at strengthening collaboration and commercial ties between the two nations. 

The dialogue was organized by the Consejo Nacional Agropecuario (CNA) and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), with support from both governments’ Ministries of Agriculture. It brought together industry leaders to discuss key topics including trade facilitation, regulatory simplification, innovation, digitalization, investment opportunities, and the role of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in supporting resilient supply chains. 

At the meeting, industry representatives from Canada and Mexico presented their Ministers with a proposed path forward, emphasizing a joint action plan to boost trade, encourage innovation, strengthen regulatory cooperation, and create an ongoing agribusiness forum to follow up on shared priorities. 

“This dialogue between the agriculture sectors of Mexico and Canada not only strengthens a trade relationship spanning more than three decades but also provides certainty and opens new opportunities in a global context marked by climatic, political, and economic challenges. Now more than ever, we must remain united and highlight the complementarity and resilience that define us as a region,” said Jorge Esteve, President of CNA. 

“Although I am pleased that we already have a strong diplomatic and trade relationship, Mexico and Canada have a great opportunity to expand our growth potential and strengthen our shared food security objectives,” said Keith Currie, President of CFA. 

The Canadian delegation included leaders from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, Canadian Meat Council, Canadian Produce Marketing Association, Canadian Pork Council, National Cattle Feeders’ Association, Canola Council of Canada, Canadian Cattle Association, and Pulse Canada. 

Mexican participants included the National Agricultural Council (CNA), ANIAME, CONAFAB, CNOG, COMECARNE, Mexican Beef, ANETIF, OCETIF, SUKARNE, ANEBERRIES, AMHPAC, and EMEX. 

Representatives from both nations’ Ministries of Agriculture and the Canadian Embassy in Mexico also participated. The dialogue highlights a shared commitment to strengthen supply chains, promote agricultural technology investment, and foster a collaborative platform for future agribusiness initiatives. 

Photo Credit: Canadian Federation of Agriculture