Saskatchewan’s ag exports hit more than $11 billion – a new record

Regina, Sask. – The province of Saskatchewan has set a new record in agriculture exports.

The province’s agriculture exports achieved total sales of $11.7 billion in 2013. This represents an increase of nearly five per cent from 2012 and is 83 per cent above 2007.

Saskatchewan’s agriculture exports represent 23 per cent of Canada’s overall $50.4 billion in agriculture exports, and more than one-third of all provincial exports.

Top agricultural commodities, markets

Saskatchewan’s top three exported agriculture commodities included non-durum wheat, canola seed and canola oil with sales of $2.1 billion, $2.1 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.

Particular focus on key markets was a major factor in the overall increase, with exports to some of Saskatchewan’s key markets up significantly in 2013.

Agriculture exports to India increased by 54 per cent, or $243 million; exports to the U.S. increased by 13.5 per cent, or $424 million; and agriculture exports to China increased by 5.5 per cent, or $104 million.

Saskatchewan agriculture export markets remain diverse, with sales of at least $100 million to each of 15 different countries.  The top three export destinations were the U.S., China and Japan.

Saskatchewan is on pace to achieve the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth goal of increasing agriculture exports to $15 billion by 2020.  However, Lyle Stewart, the province’s agriculture minister, noted a much improved grain transportation system is needed to achieve this goal.