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Canada is challenged to simultaneously protect its natural resources, meet international environmental commitments, support rural development, support economic development, improve food quality and quantity in a sustainable manner, and achieve other gains in the direction of sustainable development.  A number of projects and initiatives have emerged across Canada to address some of these issues and to make agricultural production systems more sustainable—economically, socially, and ecologically.  The following examples provide a snapshot of just some of these initiatives.  

FarmStart, a non-profit organization based in Guelph, Ontario, works to increase the presence of young and new farmers in Canada by providing the capital, training, and networks necessary to establish and operate their own farm enterprises.  FarmStart addresses concerns about an aging farmer demographic; the consolidation of small farms; and the need for more sustainable, locally produced food.  Hence, in addition to supporting a new generation of farmers, FarmStart programs promote sustainable business models, coordinate and communicate local market research, and emphasize stewardship.  Realizing that there are many economic and structural barriers to conventional farming, FarmStart takes innovative approaches to agriculture, including the introduction of mid-scale, precision-farming techniques; no-till organic farming; and addresses urban or near-urban farms.  Another innovative aspect of the program is the operation of two “incubator farms”, on which accepted participants can rent land, on-site infrastructure, and equipment; and receive training, business support, and mentoring for several years before leaving to establish their own farm.

Greencover Canada is a five-year, $110-million national program that offers technical and financial assistance for better managing grassland and sustainable practices.  The program has five components: (1) converting environmentally sensitive cropland to perennial cover, (2) adopting beneficial management practices in riparian ecosystems (land that is near water), (3) establishing shelterbelts (trees and shrubs on farmland), (4) providing technical assistance to provincial projects, and (5) providing technical assistance to regional projects.  Depending on the program component, a wide range of groups and individuals may apply, including producers, industry, government, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, incorporated environment groups, and educational institutions are eligible for support.  Greencover Canada is funded under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), which came into force in 2003 as a five-year agreement between territories, provinces, and the federal government.   There are 52 programs and services under the APF, which is being replaced this year by an updated plan, entitled Growing Forward.

Established in 1979, the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) is a non-profit organization that offers courses, workshops, advisory services, farm tours, and other resources for farmers interested in sustainable agriculture.  Its purpose is threefold: (1) to develop programs that promote ecological farming practices, (2) to educate the public on environmentally sound agricultural methods, and (3) to foster information exchange between people interested in ecological agriculture in a supportive community.  EFAO promotes practices such as soil tillage, green manures, cover crops, composting, crop rotations, erosion control and conservation practices.  It also runs a library, maintains an organic seed directory, publishes a newsletter, and posts market prices and classifieds on its website.  

All of the above initiatives are signals of a growing movement toward sustainable agricultural production systems.  They demonstrate a strong response to the issues facing Canadian agriculture, including increasingly consolidated farm ownership, declining numbers of new and young farmers, and the costs of environmental degradation. 

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