Agriculture officials from the United States, Canada, and Mexico are reinforcing their support for a stable and predictable North American trade environment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to strengthen rural economies and agricultural supply chains.
That message emerged from the 35th annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord, where state and provincial agriculture leaders gathered to discuss trade, biosecurity, regulatory cooperation and the future of agricultural development across the continent.
The event attracted record participation, with delegates representing 28 U.S. states, nine Canadian provinces and six Mexican states. Officials used the gathering to advance discussions on maintaining strong trade relationships, enhancing cooperation on plant and animal health, and addressing challenges that affect farmers and food producers throughout North America.
According to delegates, the long-term success of agriculture in all three countries depends on policies that provide certainty for producers and agribusinesses. Leaders stressed that predictable trade rules encourage investment, support market access and help rural communities remain economically resilient.
Washington State Agriculture Director Derek Sandison, president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), said collaboration among jurisdictions creates opportunities for producers while strengthening agricultural partnerships.
He noted that discussions focused on long-term predictability, science-based trade policy and efforts to improve cross-border cooperation against animal diseases and plant pests, issues that can have significant economic consequences for farmers and ranchers.
A major theme of the accord was continued support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) as it is know in Canada, and in Mexico as T-MEC.
Delegates issued a joint communiqué supporting the ongoing stability of the agreement and its role in facilitating the movement of agricultural and food products throughout the region.
Agricultural leaders described the agreement as a reliable framework that supports science-based trade practices and helps reduce uncertainty for producers, processors and exporters.
The continued emphasis on maintaining strong continental trade relationships is particularly significant given the integrated nature of North American agriculture and food production during this time of trade uncertainty with the United States.
Beyond the tri-national discussions, delegates also participated in bilateral meetings involving the United States,Canada, and Mexico. These conversations addressed key trade issues, public trust in agriculture, and strategies for responding to emerging plant and animal health threats.
Biosecurity remained a high-priority topic. Officials explored opportunities to strengthen communication and coordination when responding to agricultural threats that can move across borders. Improved cooperation on disease prevention, pest monitoring and emergency response was identified as an important component of protecting agricultural production and maintaining export market confidence.
Industry engagement also played a prominent role during the event. More than 80 representatives from agricultural organizations and businesses across North America joined a roundtable discussion with officials. Participants examined regulatory efficiency, communication between governments and industry, tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, and the growing integration of North American agricultural systems.
The discussions reflected the reality that modern agriculture increasingly depends on cross-border supply chains. Livestock, grain, fresh produce and processed food products often move through multiple jurisdictions before reaching domestic and international markets. Delegates suggested that maintaining efficient trading relationships will remain critical to supporting producers and consumers alike.
Another important focus of this year's accord was the recognition of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Delegates highlighted the contributions of women throughout the agricultural sector and emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities, inclusion and representation in farming and agricultural leadership.
Conference programming featured stories and experiences from women farmers around the world, showcasing their role in innovation, food production and rural economic development. Officials said continued progress in attracting and supporting women in agriculture will be important to the sector's future success.
The Tri-National Agricultural Accord has served as a forum for collaboration among senior state and provincial agriculture officials since 1992. In addition to facilitating discussions between regional leaders, the event provides an opportunity for federal governments to engage with state and provincial officials on major agricultural issues affecting North America.
As trade, animal health and supply chain challenges continue to evolve, delegates said ongoing cooperation between the United States,Canada, and Mexico will remain essential.
Watch the video below to learn more about the Tri-National Agricultural Accord.