Reinvigorating historic trade networks through agribusiness
Building meaningful relationships between Indigenous agribusinesses and Canadian food and beverage buyers to promote market access and business growth.
Connecting US-owned tribal businesses with Canadian food and beverage buyers: USDA’s historic Indigenous trade mission to Canada
In a landmark event, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) held its inaugural Agribusiness Trade Mission (ATM) to Vancouver, Canada, from June 16 to June 20, 2024. This historic mission aimed to strengthen, preserve and promote the rich traditions of Indigenous food production, ensuring these practices remain integral to both US and Canadian agriculture. Recognizing Canada as a key growth market with significant export potential – US agricultural exports to Canada were $28.2 billion in 2023 – the mission leveraged Canada’s status as one of America’s top agricultural trading partners. This initiative was crucial for boosting the economic contributions of Indigenous agricultural production, which adds $8 billion annually to the US food economy.
Market opportunities for Indigenous foods
Focused on facilitating access to international markets, the USDA trade mission created business and knowledge-sharing opportunities to build long-term relationships between US companies and Canadian buyers. By leveraging the rich heritage and sustainability of Indigenous food systems, the initiative opened doors for Native producers to enhance economic development in Indigenous communities and contribute to the diversity of the global food landscape.
The trade mission offered a unique platform for Indigenous agribusinesses to showcase their products, from traditional foods such as wild rice and tea, to innovative items rooted in Indigenous culture. With its deep ties to Indigenous history and culture, Canada represented a strong market for Native American food and drink products, aligning with Canadian consumers’ desire for ethically sourced, sustainable and natural goods. The mission encouraged a deeper understanding of Indigenous food systems and how these products could contribute to a more diverse and sustainable global food economy, while also providing insights into Canadian market regulatory requirements and consumer preferences. A notable highlight was a discussion led by Chef Inez Cook from Salmon n’ Bannock in Vancouver, who focused on food sovereignty, further enriching the dialog on the importance of Indigenous food systems, traditions and practices.
Strengthening cultural and economic ties through a unique and tailored event
The trade mission came to life through buyer recruitment, business matching and immersive cultural off-site events. Business opportunities were expanded through 130 B2B meetings that consisted of 18 US companies and 20 Canadian buyers who engaged in business discussions that generated nearly $1.1 million in projected 12-month sales for the participating Tribal agribusinesses.
