Saskatchewan a World Leader in Agri-Food Exports in 2022, Looking Strong for 2023

By Chase Dobson, Multimedia Communications Specialist, Communications Branch, Regina

Saskatchewan's agri-food sector witnessed a surge in total exports in 2022 with a record $18.5 billion, solidifying its position as a major player in global agricultural trade. The province's contribution to world exports of agri-food commodities has reached new heights, highlighting its robust agricultural industry and commitment to meeting global food demand.

In 2022, Saskatchewan was the world's leading exporter of the following commodities (based on dollar value): canola oil, canola meal, lentils, durum, dry peas, oats, mustard seed and canaryseed.

Pulse production was a major strength in 2022, with Saskatchewan accounting for 45 per cent of the world’s lentil exports, 37 per cent of dry peas and 14 per cent of chickpeas. Saskatchewan farmers have excelled in producing high-quality pulses, which are vital ingredients in diverse cuisines around the world.

Additionally, Saskatchewan reinforced its prominence in the global canola market with 23 per cent of the world’s canola oil exports, 19 per cent of the canola meal exports and 12 per cent of the canola seed. Saskatchewan producers have consistently demonstrated their ability to grow canola with exceptional yield and oil content, meeting the growing demand for healthier cooking oils and biofuel feedstock.

Saskatchewan’s record-setting numbers demonstrate the sector is on its way to reaching Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan target of growing agri-food exports to $20 billion by 2030.

With high crop prices continuing into the new year and crop production rebounding in 2022, Saskatchewan will have a strong export year in 2023. Persistent dry conditions in parts of the province will impact 2024 exports. The early statistics reflect this with an estimated $10.3 billion of agri-food exports in the first half of 2023, up nearly 35 per cent from the same period in 2022.

Several markets have significantly higher export values compared to the same period in 2022 including Tunisia, Italy, India, China and Bangladesh. The leading agri-food exports for Saskatchewan continue to be non-durum wheat ($1.7 billion), canola seed ($1.7 billion), canola oil ($1.3 billion), durum ($1.3 billion) and lentils ($925 million).

High agri-food prices, in some cases by as much as 100 per cent relative to 2021, and increased supply are fuelling the growth in export volume and value for 2023. Crop production in Saskatchewan rebounded from the 2021 drought thereby the volume of Saskatchewan exports has increased 62 per cent for the first six months of 2023.

During this period, exports to Italy increased significantly with a surge in the export of durum wheat creating a drastic increase in export volume and value to the country. Exports to China also skyrocketed, with the main export being canola seeds.

Saskatchewan remains committed to supporting the growth and development of the province's agri-food sector. By investing in research and development, fostering partnerships around the world and promoting trade opportunities, Saskatchewan aims to further enhance its global market presence and reinforce its reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural products.