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Environmental Policy Initiative Project (EPIP)

The Agriculture and Food Council’s Environmental Policy Initiatives Project (EPIP) continues pursuing policy work related to environmental issues affecting the long-term growth and sustainability of the agriculture industry.

Original policy options emerging from a recent public consultation are discussed in a new report, Reviewing Land Use and Environmental Stewardship in Agriculture: Observations from the 2007 Public Consultation.

Seven core recommendations emerged from the public consultation:

1.      An integrated provincial land use planning agency with government and industry representation;

2.      A province-wide inventory of natural capital;

3.      Environmental stewardship principles as part of the foundation for future economic development and land use decision-making;

4.      Appropriate incentives to ensure and foster sound environmental stewardship;

5.      Pilot projects testing the merits of alternative stewardship options;

6.      Review of current land use and environmental stewardship policy effectiveness; and

7.      Communication activities highlighting “good news” on agricultural land use and environmental stewardship.

The intent of our public consultation was to identify and discuss viable options and strategies for moving forward towards an enhanced agricultural land base in Alberta, with improved environmental management, that can guarantee the industry will remain viable and profitable for future generations.  This project builds on two previous reports published by Council: Recognizing and Supporting Environmental Stewardship within the Agri-Food Industry, and Land Use Policy and the Agri-Food Industry in Alberta.

Agricultural land (along with soil, water and other resources) is part of our natural capital.  Understanding this capital is important for the long-term viability of agriculture in Alberta.  For an industry that relies heavily upon the land and the environment, not to ensure that these are safeguarded for the future may result in grave consequences for the industry and society in general.

Current rapid growth in Alberta is contributing to a decline in available quality agricultural land.  Expanding urban populations; increased demand for acreage subdivisions; growing demand for tourism and recreational activities; growth of natural resource industries such as oil, gas and forestry; and more intensive agricultural operations all favour the removal of large tracts of agricultural land from production, displacing agriculture to more marginal, less suitable areas. 

At the same time, Canadian consumers are taking greater interest and making purchase decisions based on where and how their food is produced.  It is likely this growing demand will factor increasingly into more sustainable food production practices, with greater land and environmental stewardship focus.  The industry needs to take note of these trends and adapt rapidly to meet the expectations of consumers to remain competitive.

Alberta’s agriculture industry may be at a historical crossroads.  In the current context of provincial economic growth, urban sprawl, growing pressure on land fragmentation, and growing consumer demand for environmentally-friendly and healthy products, it can be expected that land-use and stewardship topics will become more important.  It seems also that government and the industry are willing and able to respond to these challenges.  Adapting with enhanced planning, coordination, information, dialogue, partnerships and awareness of land stewardship, primary production will be more viable and sustainable.  In turn, Albertans will enjoy the benefits of clean water, breathable air, aesthetically pleasing landscapes, and ecologically diverse habitats that ensure a wealth of biodiversity.