Sigurdson leads agricultural trade mission

Sep 15, 2023

Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson will lead a trade mission to South Korea and Japan to promote the province's ag sector.

As part of the trade mission, he'll meet with agri-businesses, government officials, and media to talk about trade and investment opportunities here at home.

Sigurdson says Alberta has a welcoming business climate and commitment to supplying innovative, reliable, and safe agricultural products.

"I’m honoured to be meeting with trade and investment partners in South Korea and Japan. Connecting in person will allow us to strengthen long-standing relationships and explore new business opportunities for Alberta’s world-renowned agricultural industry."

Alberta has key relationships with Japan and South Korea.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.