By Alice McFarlane

North American ag representatives discuss trade, food security at annual conference

Aug 17, 2023 | 11:04 AM

Maintaining strong agricultural trade ties in North America is the focus of the Tri-National Agricultural Accord.

Politicians and trade officials from Canada, the United States, and Mexico were in Saskatoon, Sask. this week for the 32nd annual conference.

It’s an opportunity to plan for any potential future emergencies, like African Swine Fever, as well as discussions on science-based trade and improving cross-border trade harmonization.

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Vice-President and Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur led the U.S. delegation for the conference.

“By collaborating as a North American alliance, we have and will continue to expand opportunities for trade and increase resources available to farmers and ranchers to produce our food, fiber, and fuel. We look forward to continuing to advance food security in our states, countries, and across the world,” Arthur said.

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The three countries held sessions on the importance of regulatory harmonization across North America, giving particular attention to improving the reliability of international supply chains, using science-and-evidence-based decision-making for establishing policies, and expanding North American trade with emerging markets globally.

Delegates also discussed ways to ensure all farmers and ranchers have access to new technologies and develop agricultural and economic opportunities for indigenous communities.

In addition to the joint communique, a statement from tri-lateral meetings and statements from bilateral meetings between each country were published at the accord.

Dating back to 1992, the accord represents a longstanding commitment to collaboration on trade between the three countries.

NASDA will host the 33^rd annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord on behalf of the United States in 2024.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW