Mexico and Canada’s agri-food sectors strengthen bilateral cooperation

 As part of the official visit to Mexico by Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald, representatives from the private agri-food sectors of both countries held the "Mexico-Canada Agribusiness Dialogue" to strengthen collaboration and commercial ties between the two nations.

The dialogue, organized by Consejo Nacional Agropecuario (CNA) and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture of both governments, brought together agri-food representatives to address strategic issues such as challenges to productive growth, trade facilitation, regulatory and administrative simplification, innovation and digitalization, investment opportunities, and, more broadly, the importance of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) as the foundation for strengthening supply chains between both countries.

As a result of the meeting, industry representatives from both nations presented their respective Ministers of Agriculture with a proposed path forward, which includes developing a joint action plan aimed at boosting trade, innovation, and regulatory cooperation. These efforts seek to strengthen supply chains, promote investment in agricultural technology, and establish 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.

Keith Currie, President of CFA, stated: “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.”

The event featured high-level delegations composed of several agricultural industry associations from Mexico and Canada.

The Canadian delegation was composed of representatives 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.

The Mexican delegation included the National Agricultural Council (CNA), the National Association of Edible Oil and Fat Industrialists (ANIAME), the Confederation of Balanced Food Manufacturers (CONAFAB), the National Confederation of Livestock Organizations (CNOG), the Mexican Meat Council (COMECARNE), Mexican Beef, the National Association of TIF Establishments (ANETIF), the TIF Certification Body (OCETIF), SUKARNE, the National Association of Berry Producers and Exporters (ANEBERRIES), the Mexican Association of Protected Horticulture (AMHPAC), and Mango Export Packers (EMEX).

Additionally, representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture of both nations and the Embassy of Canada in Mexico participated.