Canada and the United States share one of the most integrated trading relationships in the world, particularly in agriculture. This week, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, traveled to Washington, D.C., to reinforce the importance of maintaining and strengthening this critical partnership.
Strengthening Agricultural Trade Partnerships
While in Washington, Minister MacAulay met with key U.S. officials and stakeholders, including Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), Wes Ward, NASDA President and Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, and Blayne Arthur, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture. These discussions took place on the sidelines of the 2025 NASDA Winter Policy Conference, where participants focused on shared priorities, reducing trade barriers, and the economic benefits of bilateral agricultural trade.
With agri-food and seafood trade between Canada and the U.S. totaling $101 billion CAD in 2024, the Minister emphasized the essential role of this relationship in supporting farmers, businesses, and food security in both nations.
Addressing Trade Barriers at NASDA Winter Policy Conference
During the conference, Minister MacAulay delivered remarks underscoring the Canada-U.S. trade relationship as a foundation for North America’s agricultural prosperity. He highlighted that $200 million worth of agricultural products cross the border daily, illustrating the scale and importance of this trade.
He also cautioned against the potential negative impact of tariffs, emphasizing that trade restrictions could disrupt the highly integrated supply chains and harm farmers, workers, and businesses in both countries.
High-Level Meetings with U.S. Lawmakers
To conclude his visit, Minister MacAulay met with several high-ranking U.S. lawmakers, including Senator John Boozman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture; and Representative Angie Craig, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. He also held discussions with representatives from the Meat Institute.
During these meetings, the Minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to being a reliable trading partner in agriculture and agri-food products. He reiterated the importance of maintaining open trade and the adverse effects that tariffs on Canadian goods could have on both nations’ agricultural sectors and economies.
Minister MacAulay’s Statement
“Canada and the United States are neighbours by chance and friends by choice. As part of our government’s ongoing Team Canada approach, we are committed to preserving and strengthening this vitally important relationship while standing up for Canadians and supporting our hardworking farmers, ranchers, and the communities they sustain.”
Quick Facts:
- Minister MacAulay also met with representatives from key Canadian agricultural organizations, including the Canadian Cattle Association, the Canadian Pork Council, the Canadian Meat Council, the Canola Council of Canada, the Canadian Canola Growers Association, Crop Life Canada, SaskOilseeds, and Cereals Canada.
- Canada and the U.S. have one of the world’s largest bilateral agricultural trading relationships, creating jobs and economic opportunities in both nations.
- Canadian companies employ nearly 900,000 workers in the U.S., while almost 8 million American jobs are tied to trade with Canada.
- The Canada-U.S. agricultural trade relationship supports integrated and mutually beneficial supply chains across North America.
