Manitoba and the North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to encourage greater collaboration in the agricultural sector at the Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Monterrey, Mexico, Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler announced today.
“This demonstrates Manitoba’s commitment to freer trade and pursuing opportunities is an important driver of economic growth and job creation on both sides of the border,” said Eichler. “Agricultural trade is a critical part of bilateral trade and there are opportunities to use our collective strengths in agriculture.”
The MOU is a continuation of productive engagement between Manitoba and North Dakota on shared priorities in agriculture, trade, economic growth and other areas. The MOU will provide a framework for both governments to support further economic, investment and research opportunities between the two jurisdictions.
Under the MOU, Manitoba and North Dakota intend to work expand co-operation in agriculture, practices on issues such as agricultural technology, biosecurity, food waste, agricultural water management, plant protein, cross-border livestock trade, federal regulatory harmonization, and youth leadership and programming.
In 2017, total two-way trade between North Dakota and Manitoba was C$1.4 billion, ranking sixth among U.S. states for two-way trade with Manitoba and fourth as an export destination for Manitoba goods. Canada was North Dakota’s top export market, with exports totalling US$4.9 billion. In North Dakota, 28,500 jobs are dependent on trade and investment with Canada.
Source : Government of Manitoba