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Agricultural Policy Framework in Alberta: Environment

 
 
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The APF consists of five chapters:









Information | Initiatives | News Releases / Publications

Environment Information
Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) governments share the responsibility to protect the environment, and this collective authority has become an important aspect of APF negotiations. Alberta brings vital environmental knowledge to the table, as the province has its own integrated approach to enhancing air quality, land reclamation, sustainable development, water management, climate change, and waste reduction. Such efforts have been valided by consultative partnerships with industry.




Within the parameters of Canada's international commitments and national objectives relating to climate change, toxic substance use and environmental sustainability of soil, water and biodiversity, the subsequent APF policies, strategies and knowledge translate into on-farm, environmental management practices, with concrete results, such as the widespread adoption of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) which promote environmental and economical sustainability.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Provides information, research, technology, policies and programs for security of the food system, health of the environment and innovation for growth.
Environment Canada - Environment Canada's mandate is to preserve and enhance the quality of the natural environment; conserve Canada's renewable resources; conserve and protect Canada's water resources; forecast weather and environmental change; enforce rules relating to boundary waters; and coordinate environmental policies and programs for the federal government.
Other beneficial environmental management practices include:
  • the development and implemention of Environmental Farm Plans
  • the acceleration of the conversion of environmentally sensitive crop land to perennial cover, increasing the planting and maintenance of shelterbelts;
  • developing water capacity by improving the ability of producers to deal with drought situations.
  • Environment Initiatives

There are also a number of Environment Initiatives in place:
  • The National Land and Water Information Service (NLWIS), which provides land-use decision makers with internet access to land, soil, water, air, climatic and biodiversity resource information.
  • The National Agri-Environmental Health Analysis and Reporting Program (NAHARP), which will develop a general report card that can help measure and track the environmental performance of Canadian agriculture, and integrate science-based indicators in policy and program design and assessment.
  • The Information Gaps in Water Quality and Nutrients (GAPS) Program, will conduct research and development in BMPs to minimize adverse impacts of agriculture on air, water, soil and biodiversity.
  • The Environmental Certification Program will help build Canada’s reputation as an agricultural world leader in environmental stewardship through certification, by building a framework.
  • The Agri-Environmental International Exchange will contribute to branding Canada as producing environmentally responsible food.
  • The Study of Environmental Regulations (ER) will evaluate the overall efficiency and effectiveness of existing ERs and recommending future ERs for the sector.
  • The Development of Environmental Standards Initiative will develop science-based environmental standards for agricultural operations in Alberta.
  • The Soil Quality Resource Monitoring Program will determine the state of soil quality across Alberta.
  • The Spacial Data Information Systems will develop a Geographical Information System (GIS) for historical and current soil, water, air, landscape and climate data in Alberta.
  • In addition, a number of research initiatives are in place to gain information and transfer it to the agricultural community, to improve environmentally sustainable agricultural practices on the landscape.

Environment News Releases

October 25, 2007
Canada's Environment Minister Welcomes UN Report on the Global Environment

October 26, 2007
Alberta Farmers Do Their Part To Improve The Environment

October 30, 2007
Government of Canada Supports Food Retailers with Food Safety and Promotion

November 6, 2007
Federal Government Invests in the Alberta Biodiesel Industry

Environment Publications

Programs, Strategies and Initiatives 2007 – Information for Producers

 
 
 
 
For more information about the content of this document, contact Amber Gosselin.
This information published to the web on November 20, 2007.
Last Reviewed/Revised on January 17, 2008.