Canadian Trade Commissioner Service - Saskatchewan

Sector Snapshots

• Agriculture - Food and Beverage
• Oil and Gas Equipment and Services
• Environmental Industries
• Agriculture Technology and Equipment
• Life Sciences - Bio and Health Industries
• Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)
• Arts and Cultural Industries and Consumer Products

Agriculture – Food and Beverage

Saskatchewan contains 41% of Canada’s arable land – it is Canada’s natural leader in crop and livestock production:

• wheat,
• oats,
• barley,
• rye,
• canola,
• mustard, and
• canary.

There are more than 100 speciality crop processors and 50 specialty crops in Saskatchewan. The fastest growing sector is organic farming, taking note that Saskatchewan accounts for 35% of Canada’s organic food production.

The province is home to 30% of the nation’s beef herds and leads in hog and bison livestock production. Over 3.5 million cattle and 2 million hogs are raised in Saskatchewan, ensuring long term industry growth.

As Canada’s leader in agriculture, export markets include the United States, Pacific Rim nations and Europe. We invite you to contact the Agri-Food Trade Service (ATS) to learn more.

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.

Oil and gas Equipment and Services

Saskatchewan is Canada’s 2nd largest oil-producing province amounting to near 17% of all Canadian production or 1.7 billion dollars in annual revenues. This cluster relies on Canada’s most advanced innovative technologies to discover, recover and refine oil. An example is the Petroleum Technology Research Centre, International Test Centre for CO2 Capture & Storage.

Saskatchewan is also the third largest natural gas-producing province. Approximately 19,500 gas wells were productive in 2007 with estimated reserves of 2.8 trillion cubic feet (80 billion cubic metres) generating approximately 1.5 billion dollars in annual sales.

Many international oil producing states are invested in the production, technology and recovery systems of Saskatchewan energy.

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.

Environmental Industries

Saskatchewan’s environmental cluster is centered on:

• soil and ground water remediation,
• water and wastewater management,
• renewable energies (wind, solar, biomass, biofuels), and
• recycling.

An international trade show, EnerCan West, exhibits the provincial energy sector.

Saskatchewan companies are increasingly showing interest in various international markets such as the United States, Latin America and Europe.

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.

Agricultural Technology and Equipment

This industry is a global leader due to high technology manufacturing processes including precision welding and computer simulations. The industry excels in:

• manufacturing sprayers,
• grain handling, cultivators,
• augers, and
• harvest machinery.

This sector is based on three success factors:

1. The companies are world leaders in manufacturing
2. Research and development centres such as the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute and the University of Saskatchewan
3. Home to major export focused trade-shows, including the Western Canada Farm Progress Show and Canadian Western Agribition.

Major markets for these products include the United States, Australia, Eastern Europe and South America. The industry is heading for growth based on new precision agriculture technology making machines excel at “intelligent” farming

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.

Life Sciences - Bio and Health Industries

Saskatchewan is home to 30% of the Canadian agricultural biotech industry. With a strong history in agriculture, Saskatchewan is leading the industry in agricultural biotechnology including bioproducts, biotechnology, plant biotechnology, health and nutrition.

The provinces' agricultural roots has led to discoveries in the areas of plant and animal health and nutrition which is now expanding into the human health realm. This includes bio-pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, biotechnology, vaccines, genomics, health industries and service providers in these areas. The deep history in research is enhanced by strong supporting infrastructure through the Universities, research parks and institutions. Saskatoon is home to both the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron and the Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Organization, world class research facilities which further increase Saskatchewan as an ideal place to engage in R & D activities.

Saskatchewan companies are establishing themselves in international markets with joint research projects and product sales throughout the world.

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)

This sector is divided into four major industries:

• transportation,
• agriculture,
• gaming, and
• health.

Each sector leverages a comparative advantage in data record, precision measurement and location services.

Intelligent Transportation Systems cluster is lead by weight in motion systems measuring speed, weight and cargo on transportation highways. Secondly, agriculture technology provides accurate measurement of agriculture inputs and outputs. Next, is the developing interactive media cluster, with focus on:

• virtual worlds,
• mobile technology,
• social media, and
• eGaming.

Lastly, the ICT health industry coordinates the use of technology solutions to support continuing improvements in health care delivery.

The major market for ICT is the United States with new opportunities in European states.

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.

Arts and Cultural Industries & Consumer Products.

The cultural entertainment industry is one of Saskatchewan’s most renowned industries, accounting for 1.8 % of all provincial earnings. This cluster is lead by film production, music and traditional arts.

Saskatchewan's film industry is the fastest growing cultural sector. The province attracts award winning film and television productions such as “Corner Gas,” an internationally syndicated television show showcasing Saskatchewan’s culture.

At the center is the Canada Saskatchewan Production Studios, one of the largest, most modern production facilities in Western Canada.

Saskatchewan showcases global talent in country music as well as other genres. The aboriginal and traditional visual arts and crafts celebrate a unique and important heritage.

The consumer products sector, although diverse, focuses on luxury custom products including jewellery, textiles and furniture.

In both industries, companies have traditionally focussed trade with the United States, however there are increasing export opportunities to the European Union.

Please consult Trade Events in Canada for upcoming events.