Saskatchewan set record for agricultural exports in 2021

Saskatchewan’s agricultural producers contributed to a provincial record in 2021.

According to the provincial government, Saskatchewan’s agricultural exports last year were worth $17.5 billion. That broke the record of $16.4 billion set in 2020.

The top commodities exported in 2021 were canola seed, canola oil, non-durum wheat, lentils, durum and dry peas. The leading international market destinations were the United States, China, Japan and Mexico.

“These record export numbers show Saskatchewan is in a strong position to continue producing and supplying the world-class agricultural products a growing world wants and needs,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said in a media release.

“Our growing export base is creating economic opportunity, good jobs and generating investment for communities across the province.”

Saskatchewan’s total exports in 2021 were valued at $37.1 billion.

The government said Saskatchewan exported more than $2.6 billion in each of its key crop product sectors — cereal grains, oilseeds, pulses and edible oils — in 2021.

“Compared to 2020, canola oil saw an increase of over 50 per cent, with exports to the United States increasing 72 per cent from $1.1 billion to $1.9 billion,” the release said. “Canola oil to South Korea also experienced a dramatic increase of 106 per cent from $71 million to $146 million.”

Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan is seeking to increase crop production to 45 million tonnes, agriculture exports to $20 billion, and value-added revenue to $10 billion by 2030.