Canadians are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact agricultural practices can have on environmental and human health. Agriculture's long-term vitality and prosperity depend on its ability to co-exist sustainably with the natural environment. This involves a blending of environmental, social, and economic opportunities that strives to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Because of the many benefits associated with a consistent approach, the Ministers of Agriculture have committed to work together and with industry towards a set of common goals for improving environmental performance on farms. These meaningful and measurable goals aim to achieve improvements in the quality of our water, soil and air, and in biodiversity. Specific areas where progress towards these goals could be demonstrated are:

• Air: Reduce agricultural risks to the health of air and the atmosphere.
• Water: Reduce agricultural risks to the health of water resources.
• Soil: Reduce agricultural risks to the health of soils.
• Biodiversity: To ensure compatibility between biodiversity and agriculture.

Further information on the department's commitment to the sustainable development of agriculture is available in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Sustainable Development Strategy, Agriculture in Harmony with Nature II.

Hardcopy publications are available by contacting:
e-mail: Ulysse Comeau
telephone: (613) 759-6610/6626
fax: (613) 759-6726
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