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Alberta’s agri-food industry is shaped by exports, and the U.S. is by far Alberta’s – and Canada’s – most important trade partner. Alberta’s government is committed to protecting and growing this relationship.

In 2024, Alberta exported $9.3 billion in ag products to the U.S., a 4.3 per cent increase from 2023. Minister Sigurdson will engage in important discussions on how agriculture is beneficial on both sides of the border. 

“Though the April 2 announcement from the Trump administration was a positive one for our province and country for the time being, some uncertainty remains and our relationship with the U.S. needs to be restrengthened. I want every ag producer and processor in our province to know that we have your back and will continue to advocate for your needs during these difficult times, and that is exactly what I intend to do in Washington this week.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is committed to working with its national and international counterparts to advance shared interests and maximize efficiencies in the North American agri-food industry that can lead to mutually beneficial opportunities for producers, processors and consumers.

Minister Sigurdson will travel with one staff member. Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

Quick facts

  • The U.S. remains Canada’s and Alberta’s most valuable export market for agricultural products, including live cattle, beef, canola seed, meal and oil, and processed potatoes.  
  • In 2024, these top five exports to the U.S. totaled $7 billion, a 5.7 per cent increase over 2023.  
  • Canada is the most important market for many states, importing US$28.1 billion (C$38.5 billion) of agriculture and food products in 2024.
  • Alberta imports from the U.S. include fruits and vegetables, food products, live cattle and beverages.
  • U.S. demand for beef is strong with consumers eating about 60 pounds per capita in 2024.
  • In 2024, Alberta exported more than 400,000 head of live cattle to the U.S. and almost 90 per cent were for immediate slaughter.

Itinerary for Minister Sigurdson 

April 7
  • Travel to Washington, D.C.

April 8
  • Meet with representative from the National Potato Council
  • Meet with presentative from The Fertilizer Institute
  • Working lunch with representatives from American Soybean Association, CropLife America, BASF, Bayer, Corteva and Nutrien
  • Meet with representatives from the American Farm Bureau
  • Meet with representative from the North American Meat Institute  
  • Attend Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) Reception

April 9
  • Meet with Canadian Minister Counsellor (Economic Trade and Policy) and Counsellor (Agriculture)
  • Meet with representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture
  • Attend National Pork Producers Council Reception

April 10
  • Attend Cultivating Competitiveness: Positioning North America as a Strategic Agricultural Bloc Session

April 11
  • Travel to Alberta

*Subject to change.