Achieving Canada’s aggressive growth targets for agri-food exports, concurrent with making progress on the government’s ambitions for a 30% reduction in methane emissions by 2030, net-zero emissions by 2050, and overall improvements in environmental quality indicators and food security means that more food will need to be produced with a smaller environmental footprint. While this is a tall order it is not impossible. Done right, it can unlock significant opportunity and create new value.
The circular economy model presents a vision for meeting the needs of an increasingly populous and wealthy global society within the safe boundaries of key ecological systems and processes. This model has been gaining traction across the globe as a means to build a more sustainable and equitable economy. It is based on three principles: (i) eliminating waste and pollution, (ii) circulating biomaterials and products, and (iii) regenerating natural systems. These principles and their related strategies have much to offer to Canada’s agriculture and agri-food economy.
This report by Smart Prosperity Institute aims to inform future research and policy recommendations to support the transition to a more circular agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada. It synthesizes academic and practitioner literature on the subject, including best practices, benefits, barriers, and policy supports.
Join our mailing list