Mexico (Rural Roots Canada) – Federal and provincial agriculture ministers are in Mexico this week on a trade mission to strengthen North American ag trade. The mission coincides with the 2025 Tri-National Agricultural Accord, an annual event bringing together agriculture leaders from Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald will lead a federal mission to Mexico City and Guadalajara, building on the recently announced Canada-Mexico Action Plan, introduced during the September meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
MacDonald will meet with Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture, Julio Berdegué, and Javier Calderon, head of the National Health Safety and Quality Service, to discuss ways to diversify and expand agricultural trade.
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“Canada and Mexico share a strong partnership shaped by years of collaboration and more than three decades of free trade,” said MacDonald, in a release. “This trip is about further strengthening our ties, developing relationships, and creating opportunities that will drive growth and prosperity in both of our nations.”
Alberta Focuses on Market Expansion
Also in Mexico is Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, who will represent the province as part of Canada’s delegation at the Accord, held in Morelia, Michoacán.
Alberta’s agricultural exports were valued at $17.5 billion in 2024, with the U.S. as its top market and Mexico ranking fourth. The province’s key exports to Mexico include beef, canola seed, and wheat.
“Our three nations are dedicated to advancing agricultural trade in North America, and the Tri-National Accord is a testament to that long-standing commitment,” said Sigurdson. “I am honoured to participate in the Canadian delegation and look forward to collaborating with international partners to maintain Alberta’s thriving agricultural sector and strong trade relationships.”
During the event, Sigurdson will meet with U.S. and Mexican officials to promote Alberta’s high-quality agri-food products and explore opportunities in new and emerging markets. Alberta will host the 35th Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Calgary in 2026.
Saskatchewan Looks to Strengthen Ties with Mexican Partners
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison will also lead a provincial trade mission to Mexico to reinforce the province’s reputation as a reliable supplier of food, feed, and value-added products.
“Mexico continues to be a vital partner for Saskatchewan, particularly in the agriculture sector,” Harrison said. “This mission will open new avenues to promote provincial agriculture export interests, bolster relationships with stakeholders and advance discussions with Mexico on priority agriculture issues.”
In 2024, Saskatchewan exported $592 million in agri-food products to Mexico, making it the province’s sixth-largest export destination.
Harrison will also participate in the Accord, where delegates will address topics such as preparations for the 2026 Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement review, recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, and animal disease preparedness.
Strengthening a Longstanding Partnership
Canada’s delegation to the Accord will include representatives from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island.
Canada and the United States share one of the largest bilateral agricultural trade relationships in the world, totalling C$95.9 billion in 2024. Mexico remains a key and growing partner for Canadian exports, with provinces using the annual Accord to reinforce shared goals of stability, innovation, and sustainable growth across North American agriculture.
