Agriculture and the Environment

The crops, livestock, and soils that make up our farms are immersed in air. They give out gases and particles that change the air's composition, both locally and far afield. At the same time, they take in and are affected by air that has been altered by industry and other human activity.

Farmers can control, at least partly, the amounts of gases released. Various farming methods and practices produce different types and levels of emissions, opening up various options to improve air quality and help to mitigate the atmospheric accumulation of greenhouse gases. Some management options may reduce the emission of a number of air pollutants at the same time. For example, improving manure management practices can reduce the emission of gases responsible for unpleasant odours, as well as those that contribute to climate change. Some soil-conservation practices can reduce emissions of particulate matter such as dust and smoke.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is working with the sector and other contributors to reduce agricultural emissions that affect:

Research and development activities are being conducted to support sustainable farming systems and to increase our understanding of air related issues and their impact on agriculture. Education and awareness activities are also being implemented to promote best practices, and policy options that could enhance the sector's capacity to mitigate impacts on air quality, on the ozone layer, and to adapt to climate change are being evaluated.

Related documents

The Health of our Air

Executive Summary: Scientists in Canada, as in other countries, are focusing their attention on issues associated with atmospheric pollution, greenhouse gases, and climate. This report comprehensively addresses the interactions between land and atmosphere that arise because of agricultural practices in Canada. Some of the atmospheric changes may be benign or even beneficial to humans and plants. But there is much evidence to indicate that adverse effects are occurring.

Highlighted in this report is the fact that the net release of greenhouse gases from agriculture "is usually a symptom of inefficient use of resources." Various means of increasing the efficiency with which we use our resources in agriculture are outlined. Also examined is the significant potential for restoring organic carbon in our soil through conservation tillage and other means, thus reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Outlined in this report is much of the scientific information needed to develop an effective strategy for Canada's agricultural sector.

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