Ohio's Voice at the Tri-National Agricultural Accord

Trade relationships are essential to Ohio agriculture, and no partners are more important than Canada and Mexico, Ohio's two largest export markets. Together, they purchased nearly $27 billion in Ohio goods in 2025, including $18.3 billion exported to Canada and $8.7 billion exported to Mexico (ustr.gov).

North American agriculture is deeply interconnected. Livestock may be born in one country, raised in another, and processed across the border. This integrated system relies on reliable supply chains and strong working relationships among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Even as broader trade challenges arise, agricultural leaders recognize the importance of maintaining stable, predictable trade in food and agricultural products.

This shared interest is one reason Ohio continues to participate in the annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord. Brian Baldridge, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and Tim Sword, Agriculture Export Administrator, represented Ohio at the 35th Tri-National Agricultural Accord, held September 28 through October 1 in Calgary, Canada.

ODA Director Brian Baldridge presents a coin to a colleague.

Organized by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), the Accord rotates among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This year's event brought together a record number of participants, including representatives from 28 U.S. states, nine Canadian provinces, and six Mexican states, to discuss shared agricultural challenges, opportunities, and priorities.

Discussions focused on the importance of predictable trade relationships, science-based policies, and continued cooperation among the three countries. Participants also emphasized the need to strengthen communication and coordination to prevent and respond to animal diseases and plant pests that threaten North American agriculture.

The delegations issued a joint communiqué outlining shared priorities and recommendations for national policymakers, including support for the long-term continuation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Both Director Baldridge and Sword have participated in previous Accords and value the opportunity to build relationships with agricultural leaders from neighboring countries.

A meeting session at the Tri-National Agricultural Accord.

"It's important to have direct lines of communication when challenges arise," said Director Baldridge. "While we aren't negotiating trade agreements, we are building relationships and finding common ground that help make cooperation possible."

Ohio agriculture depends on strong, reliable trading relationships. ODA's continued participation ensures Ohio's perspective is part of these important conversations and creates opportunities for collaboration that extend well beyond the annual meeting.

Read the 2026 Tri-National Agricultural Accord communiqué.