Mexico, Canada Strengthen Agricultural Ties

Mexico and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating on sustainable food production, food system resilience, social inclusion, and fair trade at the Agribusiness Working Group (GTAAMC) and the Agricultural Advisory Committee (CCA) in Ottawa, Canada. 

GTAAMC discussions centered around technical collaboration and knowledge exchange in sustainable practices to strengthen North America's position as a robust and competitive trade bloc. Public-private partnerships, like those fostered at the GTAAMC, are seen as key to transforming agri-food systems in both countries, benefiting agricultural producers and contributing to national food sovereignty.

Before the meetings, Julio Berdegué, Mexico's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Agriculture Minister, held a videoconference to reaffirm their commitment to expanding commercial relations and advancing technological innovation. They also highlighted the importance of preserving the benefits of USMCA, which further strengthens ties between the agricultural sectors of the three participating countries.

The CCA session focused on productive, regulatory, and commercial topics, aimed at fostering stronger cooperation to ensure the exchange of healthy, safe, nutritious, and affordable food products between the two nations. A key agreement reached was a joint commitment between Mexico’s National Service for Food Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to prevent sanitary risks, such as cattle tick infestation, to ensure the health of plant and animal life in both countries.

Ongoing collaboration between Mexico and Canada aims to further strengthen their partnership in the global agri-food sector. From 2018 to 2023, agri-food trade between the two countries grew by 50%, reaching US$99.9 billion. Key exports include avocados, cigars, cocoa preparations, beef, tequila, cookies, mangoes, and peppers, among others.