Agrimart: Record provincial agriculture exports for 2021

A new record for Saskatchewan's agricultural exports was set in 2021, at an astonishing $17.5 billion.

The province states that, in 2021, the total was almost seven percent higher than the previous record of $15.8 billion set in 2020, which had itself increased by 27 percent from the previous year. Even more impressive is that Saskatchewan's ag exports have increased by 56 percent since 2012.

A few of the top commodities on the list are: canola seed, canola oil, non-durum wheat, lentils, durum and dry peas. Canola oil specifically saw an increase of over 50 per cent between 2020 and 2021. The main buyers are the United States and South Korea. 

At $37.1 billion, agricultural exports accounted for nearly half of Saskatchewan's total exports in 2021.

"Our producers have fed the world for generations, and we continue to enable the innovation necessary to keep feeding the world's growing population, expected to be 10 billion people by 2050. These export figures prove once again that we're up to that challenge and well on the way to meeting the future goals we've set." said Agriculture Minister David Marit on February 14th. 

The province overcame several challenges related to drought conditions and challenging weather patterns across the country to supply sustainable food locally and internationally. 

Within the next 10 years, the Saskatchewan Growth Plan has outlined goals which include increasing crop production to 45 million tonnes, agriculture exports to $20 billion, and value-added revenue to $10 billion within this decade. 

A key component of Saskatchewan's Growth Plan is processing and value-added agricultural processing. In response, building plans have been accelerated for the Federated Co-operatives' renewable diesel facility. The AGT Foods canola crush plant in Regina is set to process 1.1 million tonnes of canola annually.

"Saskatchewan's agriculture industry is, and has always been, a significant part of our economy - with an impact that extends far beyond our provincial borders," added Minister Marit. 

The province announced its plans to enhance its offering to international markets, with trade and investment offices currently under development in the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Mexico and Vietnam, on top of its existing offices in Japan India, China and Singapore.