Partnership advances sustainable protein innovation

MBOLD, a coalition of Minnesota’s largest food and agribusinesses, is building new market opportunities for sustainably produced proteins with Canadian partners. With industry leaders such as General Mills, Cargill, Target, Schwan’s Co., SunOpta, Buhler Group, and more, this collaboration responds to growing demand for innovative proteins while supporting farmers to diversify crops and increase revenues. MBOLD partners with the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis and its Canadian research partner, the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Center, to connect with leaders in the Canadian plant and alternative proteins industry. MBOLD selected Canadian start-ups Three Farmers Foods and Prairie Fava for its “Bold Growth” accelerator program. These promising innovators in the plant protein space receive in-depth business mentorship from leaders in MBOLD’s corporate network. These partnerships not only reinforce North American competitiveness but also supply chain resilience for U.S. producers by diversifying crops. Minnesota and Canadian business partnerships increase innovation in this vital market sector.

Transforming lives across borders: Canadian Monteris Medical leads in laser neurosurgery

Founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1999, Monteris Medical pioneered an MRI-guided laser ablation technology with the development and commercialization of the Neuroblate® System, to surgically remove brain lesions with minimal invasion and significantly shorter recovery times than traditional open surgery. Monteris leads the field, having completed nearly 9,000 procedures in 125 facilities across North America.

Monteris is now headquartered in Minnesota, allowing the company to tap into the state’s world-class medical device industry — including top talent, research resources, and a thriving medtech ecosystem. Monteris employs 65 people in Minnesota, 15 in their Winnipeg Software Development office, and several dozen more across the United States.

Monteris continues to expand applications of the Neuroblate procedure and drives innovation that strengthens Minnesota’s position as a global leader in medical technology. This demonstrates the benefit of Canadian–American economic partnership for both employees and innovation.

Cold weather, warm ties: Strengthening defense readiness together

Minnesota and Canada share more than strong economic ties — we share a deep defense partnership rooted in trust and interoperability, to protect America and Canada from security threats. This is anchored by NORAD, the only binational command between any two countries in the world.

Minnesota National Guard units train alongside Canadian Forces in the Arctic, honing cold-weather operations and survival skills. Canadian soldiers come to Minnesota for joint exercises that reinforce readiness for continental defense and disaster response.

This collaboration extends to the Minnesota National Guard’s Camp Ripley Training Center, where members of the 38 Canadian Brigade Group conducts annual tactical drills and training together with Minnesota Guard units.

These exchanges build real-world skills, deepen coordination, and ensure that when North America is challenged by hostile nations, our forces stand ready, together.

Minnesota exports $5.6 billion in goods to Canada annually
Minnesota exports to Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 17%
• Chemicals: 8%
• Energy: 12%
• Equipment & machinery: 25%
• Minerals & metals: 13%
• Plastics & rubbers: 3%
• Transportation: 17%
• Other: 5%

Top Minnesota goods exports to Canada

• Fuel oil: $671 million
• Ores, slag & ash: $324 million
• Fertilizers: $264 million
• Optical, medical & precision instruments: $259 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $171 million
• Pasta, breads & cereal preparations: $166 million
• Beverages & alcohol: $156 million
• Animal feed & food industry residues: $155 million
• Automobiles: $150 million
• Electric motors & generators: $120 million

Minnesota exports $1.3 billion in services to Canada annually
Top Minnesota services exports to Canada

• Business services: $474 million
• Travel (including for education): $217 million
• Financial services: $196 million
• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $174 million
• Transport: $135 million

Minnesota imports $12.7 billion in goods from Canada annually
Minnesota imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 6%
• Chemicals: 5%
• Energy: 65%
• Equipment & machinery: 6%
• Forest products: 5%
• Minerals & metals: 3%
• Plastics & rubbers: 3%
• Transportation: 5%
• Other: 2%

Top Minnesota goods imports from Canada

• Crude petroleum: $6.9 billion
• Natural gas & other gases: $902 million
• Electricity: $396 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $377 million
• Fertilizers: $328 million
• Softwood lumber: $210 million
• Wood & semi-finished wood products: $184 million
• Iron & steel alloys & semi-finished products: $174 million
• Live animals: $153 million
• Cereals: $150 million