Tri-National Agricultural Accord Strengthens Food Security and Trade

U.S., Canada, and Mexico reaffirm commitment to agricultural collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth

Agricultural leaders from the United States, Canada, and Mexico convened for the 34th annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord, issuing a joint communiqué that underscores the critical role of states and provinces in safeguarding food security and enhancing North American trade.

Led by NASDA Board Member and Arizona’s Director of Agriculture Paul Brierley, the U.S. delegation joined their Canadian and Mexican counterparts to discuss shared priorities in agricultural development, innovation, and resilience.

“North America is a critical trading block for our countries of Mexico, Canada and the U.S.,” said Brierley. “By working together as a North American alliance, we increase access to food for everyone and create opportunities for farmers, ranchers and food producers across all our communities.”

Key outcomes from the accord include:

• Support for USMCA/T-MEC/CUSMA: Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to the trilateral trade agreement, emphasizing its role in enabling predictable, science-based trade and reducing barriers to agricultural commerce.
• Animal Disease Preparedness: Delegates participated in a tabletop exercise hosted by USDA APHIS at Johns Hopkins University, exchanging updates and strategies to improve coordination and response to animal disease outbreaks. Innovation and Conservation:
• The accord emphasized cross-border collaboration in agricultural innovation, natural resource conservation, and science-based policy development.

Women in Agriculture: In recognition of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, delegates acknowledged the vital contributions of women and committed to enhancing their inclusion and representation in the sector.

The Tri-National Agricultural Accord remains the premier forum for senior agricultural officials from the three nations to collaborate on trade and development issues. The tradition of cooperation dates back to 1992, and the next meeting will be hosted in Calgary, Alberta, from September 28 to October 1, 2026.