RJ Sigurdson to lead Canadian agriculture delegation in Virginia

Canadian agriculture will be highlighted by Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson in the United States. 

Sigurdson, who has served as the Government of Alberta's minister of agriculture and irrigation since 2023, will lead the Canadian delegation at the 33rd Tri-National Agricultural Accord, which aims to further strengthen trade relations between Canada, the United States and Mexico, from Oct. 21 to 23 in Arlington, Virginia.

“The accord represents a longstanding commitment among our three nations to collaborate and advance agricultural trade and development within North America and abroad," said Sigurdson in a release. 

"I’m honoured to lead the Canadian delegation and work together with our trading partners and industry representatives to maintain a resilient, integrated agricultural sector that’s renowned for bringing high-quality products to the world.”

Sigurdson will meet with senior provincial and state agricultural officials, both elected and appointed, as well as industry representatives, with the goal of working collectively on agricultural trade, market challenges and development issues between the three North American nations.

According to the Government of Alberta, the province's agri-food exports were valued at $17.9 billion in 2023, with the United States accounting for nearly 50 per cent of that.

Sigurdson's time in the U.S. will further build the relationship between Alberta and Mexico following his trade mission there from Sept. 29 to Oct. 4.

Alberta is the second-largest provincial exporter of agri-food products to Mexico, according to the Government of Alberta, while Mexico is Alberta’s fourth-largest agriculture export market.

The Tri-National Agricultural Accord dates back to 1992, when the first conference was first held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Since then, an annual accord has rotated among Canada, the United States and Mexico, with last year's being held in Saskatoon.