Canada is strengthening its agricultural relationship with Mexico through a four-day mission led by The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The visit focused on expanding trade, improving supply chain resilience, and advancing sustainability across North America’s agri-food system.
Strengthening Collaboration
Minister MacDonald met with Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Julio Berdegué, to advance the Canada–Mexico Action Plan 2025–2028. The plan outlines shared goals for trade, innovation, and sustainable food production.
Both leaders emphasized how science and technology can drive more efficient and resilient food systems. They also agreed to create joint research teams to identify new areas for collaboration in agriculture and agri-food innovation.
Expanding Market Access
Mexico remains one of Canada’s fastest-growing agri-food markets. In 2024, bilateral trade reached C$6.9 billion, a 45% increase since 2019. Canadian exports — led by pork, canola, wheat, and beef — continue to play a vital role in Mexico’s expanding food economy.
While in Mexico City, Minister MacDonald joined Canada Beef, the Canadian Meat Council, and JBS Foods to launch Canadian beef products in 42 Costco Mexico stores. The event showcased Canada’s reliability as a supplier and the strong reputation of Canadian beef in international markets.
The Minister also met with several major Mexican importers to discuss growing opportunities for Canadian grains, oilseeds, and oats. Companies expressed plans to expand imports and invest in new processing capacity — a sign of continued confidence in Canadian quality and consistency.
Investing in Canadian Oats
MacDonald also highlighted the growing investment links between the two countries. Mexico’s largest oat importer, Grupo Industrial Vida (GIV), continues to expand operations in Alberta and Manitoba, increasing oat processing capacity through foreign direct investment. These developments reflect how Canadian agriculture is attracting new international investment while supporting value-added growth at home.
“These partnerships show how Canadian quality continues to earn global trust,” said MacDonald.
A Framework for Sustainable Trade
The mission reinforces Canada’s trade cooperation under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Both governments committed to improving trade efficiency through digital certification and expanded collaboration on food safety and market access.
Through the Canada–Mexico Consultative Committee and Agri-Business Working Group, both sides will continue to share information on food security, competitiveness, and diversification — ensuring that trade remains stable and sustainable in the years ahead.
Dialogue and Industry Insight
At the Canada–Mexico Agribusiness Dialogue, Minister MacDonald met with sector leaders to identify new ways to strengthen supply chains and encourage investment. Discussions focused on innovation, market diversification, and building a more sustainable and resilient agri-food system.
“The partnership between Mexico and Canada strengthens both economies and creates lasting opportunities for our producers,” said MacDonald. “By improving market access and building on our shared strengths, we’re creating a more resilient future for agriculture.”
Shared Growth and Opportunity
From Canadian beef and canola on Mexican shelves to Mexican investment in Canadian processing facilities, the partnership demonstrates how integrated the two agricultural economies have become.
Together, Canada and Mexico are shaping a stronger, more sustainable agri-food future — one built on trust, innovation, and shared prosperity.
