The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has reached agreement with Mexico's Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA) on arrangements that will allow shipments of Canadian potatoes for consumption or processing to Mexico. This agreement will help expand market opportunities for Canada's potato sector and support producers in exporting their high-quality products to international markets. The CFIA will work closely with the potato sector in the coming months as next steps are implemented.

In October, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, concluded a successful trade mission to Mexico where both countries agreed to enhance regulatory and technical cooperation under the Canada-Mexico 2025-2028 Action Plan to facilitate commercial ties. These discussions continued during the most recent trade visit in February 2026.

“It’s amazing that when industry – Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada -- work together with passion, dignity, and concern for the industry moving forward on expanding our markets, it brings results,” commented Bill Zylmans, chair, Canadian Potato Council. 

Securing access to international markets for Canadian agricultural and agri-food products is a key priority for the Government of Canada. Minister MacDonald's engagements with Mexico underscore Canada's commitment to strengthen agricultural ties, increase and diversify trade, and promote the Canada brand.

The CFIA supports market access requirements with trading partners by providing guidance to growers and packing facilities with information on foreign import requirements, and verifies compliance with importing countries' regulations through inspections. As Canada's national plant protection agency, the CFIA also works with international partners to prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases that could threaten crops, forests, the environment, and our economy. 

Quick Facts

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• -  Potatoes play a vital role in Canadian agriculture, standing as the fifth largest crop after staples like canola, wheat, soybean, and corn.
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• -  In 2024 alone, potatoes contributed approximately $2.1 billion in farm cash receipts--a clear indication of their significance to the rural economy.
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• -  The value of potato and potato product exports grew by 2 per cent year-over-year to exceed $3.7 billion in 2024/2025, showcasing the strength, quality, and global appeal of Canadian-grown produce.
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• -  Growers who are interested in shipping potatoes to Mexico and would like to understand next steps can contact their local CFIA office.

Source:  Canadian Food Inspection Agency March 12, 2026 news release