North American Agricultural Officials Emphasised Long-Term Trade Predictability at the 35th Trilateral National Agricultural Agreement

Image: NASDA

A record number of participants attended the meeting, bringing together 28 US states, nine Canadian provinces and six Mexican states

Members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and their provincial and territorial counterparts in Canada and Mexico highlighted their support for North American farmers and rural communities under the 35th Tri-National Agricultural Accord. The delegations issued a joint statement demonstrating their commitment to a long-term and predictable trading environment.

This year’s meeting saw record levels of participation from national delegations. Twenty-eight US states, nine Canadian provinces and six Mexican states took part in the Accord. The US delegation was led by Derek Sandison, President of NASDA and Director of Agriculture for the State of Washington.

Sandison: Collaboration deepens market opportunities

Sandison noted that working together as a North American alliance deepens market opportunities for farmers and growers across states, regions and state-level administrations. Sandison stated that discussions on long-term predictability, science-based trade policy and the strengthening of cross-border cooperation against harmful animal diseases and plant pests make a difference for rural communities across North America, adding that these discussions form the foundation of these critical trade relationships.

In addition to the joint statement, a statement regarding the trilateral meetings, as well as statements on the US-Canada, US-Mexico and Canada-Mexico bilateral meetings, were also published. These documents reflect the outcomes of the trilateral meetings, which addressed comprehensive bilateral discussions on key trade issues, as well as the role of state and regional governments in enhancing public confidence in agriculture under the USMCA/T-MEC/CUSMA, and cross-border cooperation in the areas of plant and animal health.

Sandison stated that delegates had reiterated their support for the long-term sustainability of the USMCA/T-MEC/CUSMA agreement. According to Sandison, the agreement provides a reliable, science-based framework that enables trade in agricultural and food products across North America in a mutually beneficial manner.

The US delegation also hosted more than 80 sector representatives from across North America at a roundtable meeting. The meeting addressed topics such as regulatory efficiency, strengthening communication, the impacts of tariff and non-tariff barriers, and the level of integration of agricultural systems.

Throughout the meeting, in light of the declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers, delegates acknowledged the critical role of women in the agricultural sector and reiterated the need to increase women’s participation and representation within the sector. The programme of events also featured the stories of women farmers from around the world.