Statement
Trilateral Meeting Statements
Provincial and state Ministers, Secretaries, Commissioners, and Directors responsible for agriculture remain committed to fostering opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning on issues of common importance to farmers, ranchers, agricultural processors, and rural communities. In a period marked by uncertainty, delegates reaffirm the importance of maintaining strong relationships and regular engagement among Canadian, United States (U.S.), and Mexican jurisdictions. The Tri-National Agricultural Accord continues to provide a trusted forum to exchange perspectives, address shared challenges, and identify practical solutions that strengthen our agricultural sectors, support North America’s competitiveness as an integrated trading region, and contribute to a resilient global agricultural system.
Trilateral Harmonization: Navigating Uncertainty in the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement
Delegates were pleased to hear the perspective from Michael Harvey, Executive Director of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance; Kristy Goodfellow, Vice President of Trade and Industry Affairs of the Corn Refiners Association; and Jorge Luis Díaz Salinas, Secretary of Agricultural Development and Hydraulic Resources from the State of San Luis Potosí about their experience with the CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC. Delegates discussed the importance of maintaining a stable, predictable, and competitive trading environment for North American agriculture amid evolving trade dynamics. Recognizing the deep integration of agricultural markets across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, participants in the Trilateral Harmonization Session emphasized the value of continued cooperation to support efficient trade flows, resilient supply chains, regulatory transparency, and investment certainty. Delegates reaffirm the importance of CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC as a foundation and support the long-term renewal of the Agreement. Delegates also reaffirmed the importance of sustained trilateral dialogue and collaboration to enhance the competitiveness of North American agriculture and agri-food industries.
Trilateral Rural Development: Addressing Misconceptions and Building Public Trust in Agriculture
Delegates discussed the growing challenges posed by misinformation and declining public trust in institutions, and the implications for agriculture and food systems. Panelists in the Trilateral Rural Development meeting highlighted the importance of clear, transparent, and timely communication in maintaining public confidence during both routine operations and crisis situations. Expert speakers in this session included Lisa Bishop-Spencer, Executive Director of The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, and Charlie Arnot, CEO of The Center for Food Integrity in the U.S. The speakers explored the role of public perception in shaping trust in agriculture and food production, as well as practical strategies for communicating science-based information and addressing misinformation. Delegates shared experiences recognizing that strong public trust underpinned by sound science and evidence is essential to supporting resilient food systems, effective disease response, market confidence, and informed public discourse.
Trilateral Animal & Plant Health: Strengthening North American Preparedness for Animal and Plant
Diseases and Pests
Delegates discussed the shared risks that pests and diseases of plants and animals pose to agricultural production, trade, and rural economies across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Delegates heard from Dr. Greg Worley, Chief Veterinary Officer of Ontario; Dr. Christa Speekmann, Director of Pest Evaluation and
Response, USDA APHIS Plant Protection & Quarantine; Andrea Brocklebank, CEO at Canadian Cattle Association; and Mauro Parada Muñoz, Secretary of Rural Development from the State of Chihuahua. Participants exchanged information on preparedness efforts for foreign pests and diseases, including
surveillance, public awareness initiatives, and mitigation technologies, as well as shared best practices to strengthen prevention, early detection, and rapid response capabilities. Delegates emphasized the importance of enhanced trilateral communication and coordination, science-based approaches to address pest and disease incursions. Attention was also given to improved information sharing to address cross-border challenges and misconceptions. Participants also identified opportunities to strengthen regulatory cooperation and regional approaches to risk management, supporting both agricultural resilience and the continued movement of safe agricultural products across North America.
Industry Capstone Session
Industry led a discussion to cap off the Accord with reflections and identified opportunities for both industry and governments to work together to strengthen the resilience, productivity, and competitiveness of agriculture across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Panelist included Tyler Fulton, President of the Canadian Cattle Association; Troy Sherman, Senior Director of Government and Industry Relations with the Canola Council of Canada; Lesly McNitt, Vice President of Public Policy at the National Corn Growers Association; Jess McCluer, Senior Vice President, Safety and Regulatory of the National Grain and Feed Association; and Armando Pedroza, Director General of BAE Growers.
Participants highlighted shared priorities, including innovation and technology adoption, workforce development, and transportation and border efficiency, and exchanged perspectives on practical approaches to addressing common challenges. Delegates identified opportunities to learn from experiences across jurisdictions and reaffirmed the value of continued collaboration between industry and government to support a strong, innovative, and competitive North American agriculture sector.
