Advancing agricultural trade relationships

Alberta’s agri-food industry is driven by exports and continues to set consecutive records for agricultural exports, which were valued at $17.9 billion in 2023. The United States is Alberta’s top export market for agriculture and agri-food products, and Mexico is the fourth-largest export market.

To further strengthen trade relations between Canada, the United States and Mexico, Minister Sigurdson will serve as the Canadian delegation lead at the 2024 Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Arlington, Virginia from Oct. 21 to 23. The annual event is an opportunity for senior provincial and state agricultural officials and industry representatives to come together and work collectively on agricultural trade, market challenges and development issues.

“The accord represents a longstanding commitment among our three nations to collaborate and advance agricultural trade and development within North America and abroad. I’m honoured to lead the Canadian delegation and work together with our trading partners and industry representatives to maintain a resilient, integrated agricultural sector that’s renowned for bringing high-quality products to the world.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
Throughout the accord, Minister Sigurdson will continue to build and enhance intergovernmental relations while engaging with key elected and appointed officials from the United States and Mexico. During sessions, he will reaffirm Alberta’s and Canada’s commitment to an integrated and economically viable North American agri-food economy. The minister will also advocate for the agricultural industry in Alberta and Canada, while exploring opportunities to expand trade into new and emerging markets.

Minister Sigurdson will be accompanied by one staff member and three department representatives. Expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

• Canada and the U.S. share one of the largest bilateral agricultural trade relationships in the world with C$91.9 billion in total agricultural trade in 2023.
• The U.S. remains Alberta’s largest agri-food export market and accounted for almost 50 per cent of the province’s $17.9 billion in agriculture and agri-food exports in 2023.
• In 2023, top exports to the U.S. included beef ($3.1 billion), canola/mustard oil (crude) ($1.2 billion), live cattle ($992 million) and processed potatoes ($717 million).
• In 2023, Alberta-Mexico bilateral agricultural trade was $1.2 billion.
• Mexico is Alberta’s fourth-largest agri-food export market, following the U.S., China and Japan.
• In 2023, agriculture and agri-food accounted for about 83 per cent ($749 million) of Alberta’s total exports to Mexico.
• That year, top exports to Mexico included beef ($258 million), canola seed ($219 million), wheat ($114 million), pork ($49 million) and malt ($36 million).
• In 2023, Alberta’s imports from Mexico were valued at $437.5 million with fruits and vegetables comprising 83 per cent of these imports.