Third Consecutive Year of Record Agricultural Exports for Saskatchewan

Released on February 8, 2023

Saskatchewan's agriculture industry has posted a third consecutive year of record agri-food exports, with a total value of $18.4 billion for 2022.

The leading agri-food export commodities in 2022 were canola oil, non-durum wheat, canola seed, lentils, durum and dry peas. The top five international market destinations were the United States, China, Japan, Mexico and Algeria.

"Saskatchewan's agriculture industry is a model for reliability and innovation, as these export figures show," Agriculture Minister David Marit said. "Saskatchewan producers continue to make an impact both inside and beyond our borders, as a driver of our provincial economy and as a worldwide leader in sustainable agri-food production. These numbers demonstrate our progress toward the $20 billion agri-food export target in the 2030 Growth Plan." 

In addition to Saskatchewan's primary production, higher-value processed products are a key contributor to the province's exports. With canola oil as Saskatchewan's top agri-food export and canola meal the seventh-leading, products like these provide an opportunity to reach the 2030 Growth Plan target of increasing agriculture value-added revenue to $10 billion.

Saskatchewan's agri-food exports are the second highest in Canada, behind Ontario which exported $23.8 billion in 2022. Increases in agriculture exports continue to contribute to Saskatchewan's strong economic growth, as merchandise exports saw a 23.8 per cent increase in December 2022 compared to December 2021; this was the second highest increase among provinces, seasonally adjusted. Total merchandise exports for 2022 were valued at more than $52 billion, an increase of 41.7 per cent since 2021.

"It is clear that Saskatchewan has what the world needs, and these impressive numbers demonstrate that," Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Our products have made significant gains in both traditional and new markets, which means opportunity for greater investment and a higher quality of life for the people of our province."

Saskatchewan's total exports have grown by more than $20 billion since 2012. The province has established trade and investment offices around the world which will be key to continue growing trade by focusing on our strengths and supporting Saskatchewan companies seeking investment and promoting trade. The province looks forward to continuing to expand exports, opening new markets and sharing Saskatchewan's story on a global scale.

-30-

For more information, contact: