Strengthening agricultural ties with the U.S. and Mexico: Statement from Minister Sigurdson

Aug 21, 2023

“This week I had the privilege of representing Alberta’s agriculture sector at the 2023 Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Saskatchewan.

“Alberta is known worldwide for its robust agriculture sector, with the U.S. and Mexico remaining huge export markets for our province. We are proud leaders in sustainable agriculture and are setting new records for agri-food production and exports.

“Current drought conditions are making it difficult to maintain the growth in our agriculture industry, which is why I took the opportunity to speak with federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lawrence MacAulay to emphasize the urgent need in Alberta for AgriRecovery disaster relief.

“Through trilateral and bilateral sessions with senior state officials from Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, we were able to discuss significant agricultural trade and development issues in North America.

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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.