Quantitative Analysis of the Impact of Agricultural Management Strategies on Environmental Indicators

This study uses an integrated economic-environmental modeling system to provide quantitative estimates that were used in the process of setting provincial environmental outcome targets under the APF. The analysis represents a joint effort of the Department's physical scientists, economists and policy analysts. This approach provides the ability to model the impacts of agricultural production and the adoption of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) on the Canadian environment. The analysis quantifies the impacts of various management practices on air, soil, and water quality as well as biodiversity through measurable and meaningful indicators. It also assists in identifying appropriate environmental goals by providing an indication of achievable outcomes as a result of adopting environmental management practices. This study is based on existing agri-environmental indicators and integrated modeling capacity. The limitations of these analytical tools and results are recognized.