Environmental Sustainability Of Canadian Agriculture

This is the second report on national agro-environmental indicators, with the objective of providing information on the extent to which the agri-food sector uses environmentally sound practices, on the changes in environmental conditions & trends in agriculture over time, and on the areas & resources that are at significant environmental risk. Section A gives background on this study, including the concepts & methods used and the driving forces that affect environmental & other trends in agriculture. The next sections present & discuss the agro-environmental indicators related to farm management, soil quality, water quality, air quality, agro-ecosystem biodiversity, and eco-efficiency in the food & beverage industry. For each indicator, information is included on the environmental issue related to the indicator, the indicator & its method of calculation, its limitations, results of estimating the indicator for Canada, interpretations of the significance of those results, and response options. The final section summarizes the indicator findings on a regional basis, presents overall conclusions, and suggests ways in which the report can be used. A glossary is appended.

Civil society organizations are among the most vociferous critics of the modern food system. Yet even after decades of campaigns, governments have largely failed to address health and sustainability issues in an effective way. This volume showcases the research of experts from multiple disciplines who argue that solutions lie not just in lobbying elected officials but in initiatives at the subparliamentary level. Real change will come, they argue, when advocacy groups develop innovative strategies capable of influencing decision makers more resistant to public pressure: business lobbies well connected to government agencies, middle managers, and ministries unused to collaborating across departmental mandates.

The strategy presented in this paper is intended to provide decision makers in the agriculture and agri-food sector with useful tools and information to help make the sector's environmental performance a factor that enhances its growth prospects rather than limits them. The strategy follows four directions: improving the capacity of decision makers to integrate environmental considerations in daily management on a proactive basis; promotion of stewardship and sustainable use of the environment and agricultural resource base; focusing of research, development, and technology transfer to address environmental challenges and foster sustainability in the sector; and encouragement of marketing and trade that promote environmental quality and sustainability. For each strategic direction, priorities for action are described. Includes glossary and a profile of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada.