AAFC no.: 13235E
ISSN: 22561-2875
Catalogue no.: A1-35E-PDF
Introduction to the 2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report
The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. This is the first FSDS to be framed using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and provides a balanced view of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to make decision-making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 's 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS). This report provides a report on progress related to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's DSDS in the fiscal year 2023 to 2024.
The Federal Sustainable Development Act also sets out Seven principles that must be considered in the development of the FSDS as well as DSDSs. These basic principles have been considered and incorporated in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's DSDS and 2023 to 2024 DSDS Report.
To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's departmental strategy reports on Canada's progress towards implementing the 2030 Agenda and advancing the SDGs, supported by the Global Indicator Framework (GIF) and Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets and indicators. The Report also now captures progress on SDG initiatives that fall outside the scope of the FSDS.
Commitments for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Goal 2: Support a healthier and more sustainable food system
- Goal 6: Ensure Clean and Safe Water for All Canadians
- Goal 10: Advance Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and Take Action to Reduce Inequality
- Goal 12: Reduce Waste and Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles
- Goal 13: Take Action on Climate Change and Its Impacts
Goal 2: Support a healthier and more sustainable food system
FSDS context
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership includes both federal-only programs and activities, as well as programs that are cost-shared between the federal and provincial or territorial governments that are designed to address the specific needs in each jurisdiction. Together, these programs and initiatives advance the 5 agreed-upon priority areas in the Guelph Statement (that is, building sector capacity, growth and competitiveness; climate change and environment; science, research and innovation; market development and trade; and resiliency and public trust), with a focus on achieving results for the sector and Canadians. These priority areas cross each of the department's core responsibilities of Domestic and International Markets, Science and Innovation, and Sector Risk, as well as its Internal Services, while supporting the delivery of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food's mandate letter commitments and broader Government of Canada priorities.
Agriculture plays a key role in meeting the Government of Canada's commitments related to clean growth and climate resiliency. Supporting the sector to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including to address challenges and enhance resiliency, is critical to its long-term viability and remains a key priority for the department. Under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the department is working to tackle climate change and enhance environmental resiliency, including by seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3 to 5 megatonnes over the implementation period of the framework. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership also provides funding to increase the adoption of beneficial management practices and technologies on Canadian farms to improve environmental outcomes (soil, health, water quality, conservation and restoration of critical wildlife habitat) and maintain or improve productivity. These efforts also help to position Canadian producers and processors to seize economic opportunities from evolving consumer demands related to sustainability requirements. For example, the $250-million cost-shared Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program was designed to use an ecological goods and services payment approach to support on-farm adoption of management practices such as maintaining and restoring grasslands and wetlands; establishing pollinator strips; enhancing riparian and on-farm wildlife area, agroforestry and other regionally relevant and innovative agricultural practices (such as adopting strip tillage and no-till in non-traditional areas) and compliments other federal programs designed to address climate change.
In addition to the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the department will continue to deliver on federal initiatives such as the Agricultural Climate Solutions Program, including Living Labs and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund, as well as the Agricultural Clean Technology Program to support the sector in developing and implementing practices and clean technologies to address climate change, improve resiliency and build on efforts to meet emission reduction targets. The Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs is a research and development stream which establishes a strong, Canada-wide network of living labs and brings together farmers, scientists and other sector partners to co-develop, test and monitor beneficial management practices to increase carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve other environmental co-benefits. The Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund supports farmers in adopting beneficial management practices that store carbon and reduce greenhouse gases through nitrogen management, cover cropping and rotational grazing practices. The Agricultural Clean Technology Program aims to create an enabling environment for the development and adoption of clean technology in 3 priority areas: green energy and energy efficiency, precision agriculture and bioeconomy. The Adoption Stream supports the purchase of commercially-available clean technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while the Research and Innovation Stream supports pre-market innovation to develop transformative clean technologies and expand current technologies.
As the lead for the Food Policy for Canada, the department continues to work towards the vision that all people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious and culturally diverse food, and that Canada's food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment and supports our economy. The Local Food Infrastructure Fund is a key component of the Food Policy for Canada to build a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada. The Government of Canada has committed $62.9 million over 3 years, starting in 2024-2025, for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to renew and expand the program and invest in local food infrastructure. The renewed Local Food Infrastructure Fund will support projects that strengthen community food security and increase the availability and accessibility of local, nutritious and culturally-appropriate food through food production-focussed activities for equity-deserving groups, particularly Indigenous and Black communities. This includes community organizations seeking to improve infrastructure for school food programs as a complement to the National School Food Program.
In 2023 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada launched its new Strategic Plan for Science, which will guide the department's science and research activities over the next decade by focusing on identified priorities. Through its ongoing programming and initiatives, the department will continue working collaboratively on cross-sectoral challenges facing both the agricultural sector and Canadians alike and will advance Government of Canada objectives towards action on greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, carbon sequestration and other environmental priorities. The Strategic Plan for Science also recognizes the importance of collaboration and co-developing solutions with farmers, Indigenous communities and sector stakeholders. The department's approach to research will continue to be open and collaborative, working together with the sector to create and test solutions in real-world situations. This will help farmers and sector partners to more quickly reap the benefits of the results, speeding up Canada's response to pressing global challenges. The department's efforts related to science, research and innovation will contribute to the overall sustainability, resiliency and competitiveness of the agriculture and agri-food sector, while seeking to pursue economic growth opportunities, enhance food security, address climate change and strengthen long-term resiliency.
The department will continue to work to develop and implement a Sustainable Agriculture Strategy, in line with the Minister's mandate letter, to further support national and international commitments to meet reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental challenges.
Target theme: Sustainable food systems
Target: By 2030, support improvement in the environmental performance of the agriculture sector by achieving a score of 71 or higher for the Index of AgriEnvironmental Sustainability (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build knowledge for sustainable agriculture. |
Conduct research to increase knowledge on the environmental effects of agriculture, including ways the sector can help protect the environment. Program: Foundational Science and Research |
Performance indicator: The number of scientific articles from AAFC accepted for publication through an external peer-reviewed process. Aligned with AAFC's Strategic Plan for Science mission areas:
Starting point: New indicator. Previous result achieved under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership was 2,500 articles over 5 years (2018 to 2023). Target: 2,500 articles across the 4 mission areas over 5 years, by 2028 |
Scientific research undertaken by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in collaboration with federal, provincial and non-government organization partners, serves to make agricultural production more sustainable as scientific knowledge leads to the development of practices and processes that can be adopted in Canada. Conducting research contributes to the overall stability of agricultural working landscapes and their ability to sustain a high level of agricultural production by Canadian farmers. Peer-reviewed publications can be viewed on the AAFC website at Open data and scientific agricultural publications. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 2.2 – Canadian agriculture is sustainable. CIF ambition 9.1 – Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation. CIF ambition 12.2 – Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF ambition 13.3 – Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change. CIF target 2.2 – By 2030, support improvement in the environmental performance of the agriculture sector by achieving a score of 71 or higher for the Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability. CIF indicator 2.2.1 – Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability. GIF target 2.4 – By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. GIF target 12.2 – By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. GIF target 13.1 – Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. GIF target 13.3 – Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. |
Indicator result: 892 articles across the 4 mission areas accepted for publication through an external peer-reviewed process, as of March 31, 2024 |
| Build knowledge for sustainable agriculture. |
Work with the provinces and territories to increase sector awareness of risks and opportunities related to climate change and environmental issues. Program: Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership FPT Cost-Shared Programming – Climate Change and Environment priority area |
Performance indicator:
Starting point: New program starting in 2023. Previous results achieved under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (2018-2023) were:
Target:
|
This shows how FPT cost-shared climate change and environment programs and initiatives help the Canadian agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sectors increase their awareness and knowledge of beneficial management practices to respond to a changing climate. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 2.2 – Canadian agriculture is sustainable. CIF ambition 13.3 – Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change. GIF target 2.4 – By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. GIF target 13.1 – Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. GIF target 13.3 – Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. |
Indicator result:
Notes: Results are not yet available for both targets as data required from provinces and territories is only expected to be shared in fall 2024 |
| Promote clean technology in the agriculture sector. |
Implement the Agricultural Clean Technology Program to support the development and adoption of clean technology that will enable reduced GHG emissions and promote sustainable growth in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector. Program: Environment and Climate Change Programs |
Performance indicator:
Starting point: New indicator. Results under the previous Agricultural Clean Technology Program (2018-2021) were 8 clean technologies developed and 3 adopted. Targets:
|
The Agricultural Clean Technology Program supports projects that will develop or implement clean technologies in the priority areas of green energy and energy efficiency, precision agriculture and the bioeconomy. The program will help drive the changes required to achieve a low-carbon economy and promote sustainable growth in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 2.2 — Canadian agriculture is sustainable. CIF ambition 7.2 — Canadians reduce their energy consumption. CIF ambition 9.1 — Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation. CIF indicator 7.2.1 — Total energy consumption per capita. GIF target 2.4 — By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. GIF target 7.2 — By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. GIF target 7.3 — By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. |
Indicator result:
|
| Promote sustainable agricultural practices. |
Work with provinces and territories through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to build the capacity of Canada's agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector to encourage all aspects of the sector to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and beneficial management practices at farm and regional levels, with the central focus of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of climate change. Program: Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership FPT Cost-Shared Programming – Climate Change and Environment priority area |
Performance indicator:
Starting point: Previous results under the Canadian Agriculture Partnership (2018-2023) were:
Target:
|
Programming under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership aims to increase the awareness and knowledge of beneficial management practices and climate change. It also aims to increase the adoption of practices and technologies to improve environmental performance, adapt to climate change and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 2.2 — Canadian agriculture is sustainable. CIF target 2.2 — By 2030, support improvement in the environmental performance of the agriculture sector by achieving a score of 71 or higher for the Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability. CIF indicator 2.2.1 — Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability. GIF target 2.4 — By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. GIF target 15.3 — By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. |
Indicator result:
Notes: Results are not yet available for both targets as data required from provinces and territories is only expected to be shared in fall 2024. |
| Promote sustainable agricultural practices. |
Implement the AgriScience Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support the acceleration of innovations by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians. Program: AgriScience |
Performance indicator: Number of new beneficial management practices that are developed to address climate change and environment. Starting point: New indicator. No starting point available. Target: Will be set in the 2024–25 fiscal year. |
One of the AgriScience Program's priority areas is research that addresses climate change and environmental sustainability. The other 2 priority areas are economic growth and development and sector resilience and societal challenge. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 2.2 — Canadian agriculture is sustainable. CIF ambition 8.5 — Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth. CIF target 2.2 — By 2030, support improvement in the environmental performance of the agriculture sector by achieving a score of 71 or higher for the Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability. CIF indicator 2.2.1 — Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability. |
Indicator result: No result available Note: The AgriScience program is currently in year 1 of 5 years, and beneficial management practices are developed in the later stages of the projects. |
| Support agricultural climate solutions in Canada. |
Implement the Agricultural Climate Solutions Program - Living Labs stream to support the co-development, testing and adoption of technologies and practices, including beneficial management practices, that sequester carbon and/or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Program: Environment and Climate Change Programs |
Performance indicator:
Starting point: New program with activities launched in July 2022. A starting point will be established after the first year of performance information is available. Target:
|
The Living Labs stream aims to establish a national network of living labs, which bring together farmers, scientists and other sector partners to co-develop, test, implement and monitor beneficial management practice to increase carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve other environmental co-benefits. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 2.2 — Canadian agriculture is sustainable. CIF ambition 9.1 — Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation. CIF ambition 13.1 — Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. CIF target 2.2 — By 2030, support improvement in the environmental performance of the agriculture sector by achieving a score of 71 or higher for the Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability. CIF target 13.1 — By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. CIF indicator 2.2.1 — Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability GIF target 6.3 — By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. GIF target 13.1 — Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. |
Indicator result:
Notes: Some practices contribute to both increased carbon sequestration and reduced GHG emissions and may be counted for each section. |
| Support agricultural climate solutions in Canada. |
Implement the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund to support farmers in adopting beneficial management practices that store carbon and reduce greenhouse gases, specifically in the area of nitrogen management, cover cropping and rotational grazing. Program: Environment and Climate Change Programs |
Performance indicator: Number of unique producers implementing new beneficial management practices (BMPs) or expanding BMP adoption on new acres of land with support of the Fund. Starting point: New program with activities launched in spring 2022. A starting point will be established after the first year of performance information is available. Target: 14,000 by March 31, 2028. |
The On-Farm Climate Action Fund stream will support farmers in adopting BMPs that store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, focussing in 3 areas: nitrogen management, cover cropping and rotational grazing. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 2.2 — Canadian agriculture is sustainable. CIF ambition 13.1 — Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. CIF target 2.2 — By 2030, support improvement in the environmental performance of the agriculture sector by achieving a score of 71 or higher for the Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability. CIF target 13.1 — By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. CIF Indicator 2.2.1 — Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability. GIF target 13.1 — Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. GIF target 15.3 — By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. |
Indicator result: 3,300 unique producers implementing new BMPs or expanding BMP adoption on new acres of land as of July 2024. |
Implementation strategies supporting the goal
This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal "Support a healthier and more sustainable food system" but not a specific FSDS target.
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Help Canadian communities access healthy food. |
Deliver the Local Food Infrastructure Fund which supports local food projects, such as those at food banks and community gardens across Canada, to provide at-risk populations, such as the less privileged and isolated communities, with improved access to healthy foods through investments in infrastructure. Program: Food Policy Initiatives |
Performance indicator: Average percentage change in the amount of food produced/ distributed by program recipients (in terms of food value in dollars). Starting point: 169% (result achieved under the first 3 streams of LFIF, based on results reported as of March 2023). Target: An average increase of 150% achieved under all 5 streams of LFIF, by September 2024. Note: the target is slightly lower than the starting point, as results achieved under the first 3 streams of LFIF are estimated to be especially high because of the increased demand for and provision of food over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
As organizations make increased investments in local food infrastructure, their capacity to provide healthy and nutritious food to the most vulnerable populations will increase. This increase in capacity will lead to an increased availability of healthy and nutritious food within these communities across Canada. Relevant targets or ambitions: SDG target 3 — Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. CIF ambition 2.1 — Canadians have access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food. CIF indicator 2.1.1 — Prevalence of food insecurity. |
Indicator result: An average increase of 154% was observed for all streams of LFIF as of July 2024 |
Goal 6: Ensure Clean and Safe Water
FSDS context
Freshwater management in Canada is a responsibility shared among federal, provincial and territorial governments as well as Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The Government of Canada has jurisdiction in areas such as fisheries, pollution prevention, shipping and navigation, international relations, transboundary waters, creating and managing protected areas and managing freshwater on federal lands. It also plays a leadership role in freshwater science and research to ensure that Canadians have the necessary information for evidence-based decision making on Canadian freshwater resources.
The Government of Canada has provided federal support in the managing, restoring and protecting of nationally significant freshwater bodies in Canada through the investment and action within the Freshwater Action Plan. Successive Speeches from the Throne and mandate letters have committed to strengthening and expanding the Freshwater Action Plan, creating a Canada Water Agency, and advancing the modernization of the Canada Water Act. Budget 2023 announced a major investment to support Canada's fresh water, including implementing a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan to address freshwater challenges, creating the Canada Water Agency and advancing the modernization of the Canada Water Act, once the agency is established.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will continue to engage with Environment and Climate Change Canada, other government departments, provincial–territorial agriculture counterparts and interested sector partners in order to support the agriculture sector enhance the stewardship of Canada's water resources, including through the establishment of a new Canada Water Agency and implementation of a Freshwater Action Plan.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada have a memorandum of understanding in place which formalizes information sharing on a more systematic basis to better inform research efforts and maximize outcomes, including supporting the goal of keeping Canada's freshwater safe, clean and well managed. For example, the departments have established processes to share information on current and emerging risks and by monitoring and conducting research activities through formal and informal processes. This includes interagency agreements, working groups, and committees. As of March 3, 2023, regional science committees in Lake Winnipeg, Lake Erie and Saint John/Wolastoq have been meeting to discuss opportunities for further science collaboration, while also sharing information on research activities.
In addition, the department provides funding through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership for increased adoption of beneficial management practices and technologies on Canadian farms that help to protect and sustainably manage Canada's water resources and enhance the sector's resilience to climate change.
Target theme: Healthy lakes and rivers
Target: By 2027, action plans are in place to advance restoration and protection of major lakes and rivers in Canada (Minister of Environment and Climate Change)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop knowledge of water sustainability in Canada. |
Improved knowledge and understanding of science-based solutions by the scientific and agriculture community to support a sustainable sector and to improve the sector's economic growth and resiliency. Program: Foundational Science and Research |
Performance indicator: The number of scientific articles from AAFC accepted for publication through an external peer-reviewed process aligned with AAFC's Strategic Plan for Science mission areas:
Starting point: The previous result achieved under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership was 2,500 articles over 5 years (2018-2023). Target: 2,500 articles with the ability to report on publications related to water across the 4 mission areas over 5 years, by 2028. |
Scientific research undertaken by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in collaboration with federal, provincial and non-government organization partners, serves to make agricultural production more sustainable as scientific knowledge leads to the development of practices and processes that can be adopted in Canada. Conducting research thus contributes to the overall stability of agricultural working landscapes and their ability to sustain a high level of agricultural production by Canadian farmers. Peer-reviewed publications can be viewed on the AAFC website at Open data and scientific agricultural publications. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 2.2 — Canadian agriculture is sustainable. CIF ambition 13.3 — Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change. CIF target 2.2 — By 2030, support improvement in the environmental performance of the agriculture sector by achieving a score of 71 or higher for the Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability. CIF indicator 2.2.1 — Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability. GIF target 2.4 — By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. GIF target 6.3 — By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. GIF target 6.5 — By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary co-operation as appropriate. |
Indicator result: 892 articles accepted for publication through an external peer-reviewed process as of March 31, 2024 Note: The available result represents articles across the four mission areas during the first year of SCAP. Results publications related to water will be available in the next fiscal year, 2024-2025 |
Goal 10: Advance Reconciliation With Indigenous Peoples and Take Action on Inequality
FSDS context
Reconciliation includes establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. It requires awareness of the past (truth), acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes and action to change behaviour. Reconciliation requires the recognition of Indigenous and treaty rights and a commitment to work co-operatively to implement these rights. It also requires a whole-of-government approach that encompasses the knowledge that each federal employee has responsibilities and obligations related to reconciliation that must be honoured.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada works to ensure a coordinated, strategic and holistic departmental approach to reconciliation through the support of Indigenous agriculture and food systems. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada works to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through a sustained departmental commitment to supporting Indigenous agriculture and food systems. This commitment is built on 3 action pillars, including, fostering cultural awareness and departmental capacity. For example, ensuring our hiring processes are inclusive and culturally appropriate, as well as creating a culturally safe and relevant work environment for Indigenous Peoples through cultural awareness education of all Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada employees. Enhancing cultural awareness helps employees build, strengthen and maintain distinctions-based relationships with Indigenous partners, and enables Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to work in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples to advance all-of-government and departmental reconciliation activities.
Departmental efforts throughout the duration of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership policy framework will advance outcomes related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, federal-provincial-territorial governments committed to a collective social target to increase the proportion of funded ultimate recipients that identify as Indigenous Peoples, women, and/or youth over the course of the framework (2023 to 2028). In support of this target, federal-provincial-territorial governments will collect applicant demographic data to report against this target and enable analysis on the reach and impact of Sustainable Agricultural Partnership programming.
The department will continue working to address barriers and support the participation of Indigenous Peoples and other underrepresented and marginalized groups in the sector, such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, 2SLGBTQI+ communities and official language minority communities, including through its programs and service delivery. In support of Government of Canada commitments to reconciliation and recognizing the importance of Indigenous leadership in the effort to build a sustainable agricultural sector, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will continue working to build and strengthen relationships and enhance engagement with First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The department will develop and implement inclusive policies, programming and services under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support the participation of Indigenous Peoples and other underrepresented and marginalized groups. Additionally, as an employer, the department remains committed to establishing a culture that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and to strengthening its workforce in a way that reflects Canada's diversity.
Target theme: Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis communities
Target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. |
Increase access for Indigenous Peoples in employment (through targeted advertised processes to hire Indigenous students and employees). Program: UN Declaration Act Implementation Secretariat |
Performance indicator:
Starting point:
Target:
|
Increase access to job opportunities in the public service for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This action works to reduce the inequity of Indigenous representation in the public service of Canada. Relevant targets or ambitions: GIF target 10.3 — Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard. |
Indicator result:
Notes: The result for number of promotions of employees who identify as an Indigenous person is lower than targeted in 2023–24, which may be a result of various factors such as career development opportunities, language skills or lower Indigenous representation. The department continues to make efforts to address barriers to promotions through learning and development programs aimed at Indigenous employees. |
| Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. |
Provide Indigenous cultural competency training and/or training to better understand the history of Indigenous Peoples and contribute to reconciliation. Program: UN Declaration Act Implementation Secretariat |
Performance indicator: Number of Indigenous cultural competency training sessions delivered by the Indigenous Support and Awareness Office (ISAO), or training recommended by the department. Consider the Reconciliation Path, the Indigenous Awareness Learning Series and the Indigenous Learning Series. Starting point: 52 Indigenous training sessions delivered in the 2022–23 fiscal year. Target: Continued increase in the number of Indigenous training sessions delivered each year. |
Public servants are in a unique position to help build respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This action encourages public service employees to increase their cultural competency skills and awareness of issues related to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada as well as their knowledge of the UN Declaration. This action contributes to the development of necessary cultural competency knowledge and skills to implement the UN Declaration. Relevant targets or ambitions: GIF target 10.3 — Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard. |
Indicator result: There has been a continued increase in the number of Indigenous training sessions delivered. In the 2023–24 fiscal year, there were 53 Indigenous training sessions delivered compared to 52 in 2022–23. |
Goal 12: Reduce Waste and Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles
FSDS context
Goal 12 in the 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy reiterated the Government of Canada's commitment in the Greening Government Strategy to lead by example, in reducing waste and the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Measures for responsible consumption related to internal operations consists of considering environmental impacts in the procurement of goods and services, and prioritizing high-impact categories including light-duty on-road vehicles, low carbon fuels and construction materials, and clean electricity. In addition to speaking to the FSDS content for federal leadership on responsible consumption, the table below includes reporting requirements under the Policy on Green Procurement.
With a purchasing power of $163 million (10,000 contracts) in 2023-24, a fleet of 634 light-duty on-road vehicles and a portfolio of 20 key research and development centres, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is well positioned to make an impact with responsible consumption. The department continues to modernize its light-duty on-road fleet, to support Public Services and Procurement Canada's Clean Electricity Procurement Initiative and take steps to promote and strengthen green procurement and waste management practices.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is also well-positioned to encourage and support sustainable production and consumption through more efficient food systems across Canada. Reducing food loss and waste at all stages of the supply chain can strengthen food system resilience and sustainability, improve supply-chain productivity and resource efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emission from landfills. As part of the Food Policy for Canada, the Food Waste Reduction Challenge has helped to accelerate the implementation of innovation and concrete actions to reduce food loss and waste at all stages of the supply chain. The Challenge attracted nearly 600 applications across diverse solution spaces including artificial intelligence, mobile applications, upcycling to new foods or high value products as well as novel packaging and food treatment technologies to extend the shelf life of food. Grand prize winners under the Business Models Streams were announced in March 2024, with projects that create new food products from other food or by-products that would otherwise go to waste.
In addition, Canada's agriculture and food sector is beginning to include food loss and waste reduction in their operational processes and corporate responsibility efforts. Several provincial and territorial governments (for example, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec) and municipalities are also taking action, including consumer awareness and education campaigns and setting targets to divert food loss and waste from landfills.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is also developing options to develop a Food Loss and Waste Reduction Action Plan, as committed to through the 10th North American Leaders Summit in January 2023. The Action Plan could provide an opportunity to consolidate a number of federal initiatives and commitments that have linkages to food loss and waste reduction, and to address stakeholder and expert recommendations on ways to foster collaboration and collective action to meaningfully reduce food loss and waste across Canada.
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Responsible Consumption
Target: By 2030, the Government of Canada will divert from landfill at least 75% by weight of non-hazardous operational waste (all ministers)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximize diversion of waste from landfill. |
Track and disclose non-hazardous waste diversion rates for applicable custodial facilities and implement waste diversion measures. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of non-hazardous operational waste diversion from landfill by weight from custodial facilities. Note: Percentage is based on a rolling average of the mass of diverted waste, divided by the total mass of waste. Starting point: 39% from fiscal years 2009–10 to 2017–18. Based on annualized data from latest waste audits for the 5 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada custodial facilities which meet the Treasury Board Secretariat reporting requirements. Target: At least 75% by 2030–31. |
Actions that reduce the generation of operational waste will help to reduce indirect Scope 3 (value chain) greenhouse gas emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from the landfill reduces landfill gas. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 12 — Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF indicator 12.3.1 — Total waste diversion per capita. GIF target 12.5 — By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. |
Indicator result: 41% in 2023-24 estimated based on 3 waste audits conducted during 2022–23 to 2023–24 at 3 facilities (35,286 kg waste diverted divided by 85,435 kg of waste generated, annualized for 3 of 5 scoped-in facilities with waste audits within last 5 years) Note: Waste diversion measures are being implemented to increase diversion rates towards 75% by 2030–31. |
Target: By 2030, the Government of Canada will divert from landfill at least 90% by weight of all construction and demolition waste (all ministers)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximize diversion of waste from landfill. |
Track and disclose construction and demolition waste diversion rates for applicable custodial infrastructure projects. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of construction and demolition waste diversion from landfill by weight for applicable major projects. Note: Percentage is based on the mass diverted, divided by the total mass. Starting point: No starting point available. Based on data from projects which meet the Treasury Board Secretariat reporting requirements. Target: At least 90% by 2030-31. |
Actions that reduce the generation of construction and demolition waste will help to reduce indirect Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from the landfill reduces landfill gas. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 12 — Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF indicator 12.3.1 — Total waste diversion per capita. GIF target 12.5 — By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. |
Indicator result: No result available Note: No projects completed in 2023–24 that met minimum reporting threshold of $5 million, as per Treasury Board Secretariat reporting requirements. |
Target: The Government of Canada's procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy (all ministers)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disclose embodied carbon in construction. |
Respond to the Centre for Greening Government's annual call letter disclosing embodied carbon in construction of major projects as applicable. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Reporting of embodied carbon in construction for major projects as applicable in the annual Federal Greening Government Reporting Template for Major projects which meet the Treasury Board Secretariat reporting requirements. Starting point: No starting point available. Target: Annual submission of embodied carbon in construction to the Federal Greening Government Reporting Template. |
Embodied carbon forms a significant proportion of the whole life carbon emissions from construction projects. Major construction projects typically include the renovation or new construction of buildings. Disclosing and reducing the embodied carbon footprint of construction projects will aid in reaching the target of net-zero emissions by 2050. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 12 — Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF indicator 12.2.1 — Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices. GIF target 12.7 — Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. |
Indicator result: No result available Note: No major construction projects completed in 2023–24 met the threshold set by Treasury Board Secretariat |
| Transform the federal light-duty fleet. |
Purchase at least 75% of new light-duty, on-road fleet vehicles will be zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), where suitable options are available and meet operational feasibility. Track and disclose amount of ZEVs in departmental light-duty on-road fleet. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percent of light-duty on-road vehicles that are ZEVs. Starting point: 4% of light-duty on-road vehicles are ZEVs in 2022–23. Target: 100% ZEVs by 2030–31 |
Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by reducing fuel consumption, by increasing usage of low-carbon transportation solutions and by replacing conventional fossil-fueled vehicles over their lifetimes with zero-emission vehicles. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 12 — Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF target 12.1 — Zero-emission vehicles represent 10% of new light duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. CIF indicator 12.1.1 — Proportion of new light duty vehicle registrations that are zero-emission vehicles. GIF target 12.1 — Implement the 10-year framework of programs on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries. |
Indicator result: 85% of light duty fleet purchases in 2023–24 were ZEVs. |
| Strengthen green procurement criteria. |
The completion of green procurement training will be made mandatory for all AAFC procurement and materiel management specialists (PG classification) to ensure that environmental performance considerations are integrated into the procurement decision-making process. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of procurement and materiel management specialists (PG classification) having completed requisite green procurement training by the end of every fiscal year. Starting point: 67% as of 2022–23. Target: 90% by March 31 of each year |
Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver and their supply chains. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 12 — Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF indicator 12.2.1 — Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices. GIF target 12.7 — Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. |
Indicator result: 74% of procurement and materiel management specialists (PG classification) completed requisite green procurement training as of March 31, 2024 |
| Strengthen green procurement criteria. |
Strengthen AAFC's procurement and materiel management related procedures, guidance documents and tools to ensure environmental considerations are incorporated, when appropriate, when processing a procurement requirement. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of awarded contracts in which AAFC is the contracting authority that include environmental considerations, where appropriate. Note: Departmental acquisition card activity is excluded. Starting point: No starting point available. Target: At least 15% of the contracts by 2026. |
Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 12 — Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF indicator 12.2.1 — Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices. GIF target 12.7 — Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. |
Indicator result: 0.3% of awarded contracts in 2023-24 in which AAFC was the contracting authority included environmental considerations Notes: Results are likely underrepresented due to data entry inaccuracies; training and direction have been provided to procurement officers |
| Strengthen green procurement criteria. |
Award contracts using a pre-established method of supply such as a standing offer or supply arrangement, which include environmental considerations, enabling AAFC to purchase more environmentally preferable goods and services. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of contracts awarded against a pre-established method of supply in which environmental considerations are included, where appropriate. Note: Departmental acquisition card activity is excluded. Starting point: No starting point available. Target: At least 25% of the contracts by 2026. |
Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 12 — Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF indicator 12.2.1 — Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices. GIF target 12.7 — Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. |
Indicator result: 3% of contracts were awarded in 2023–24 against a pre-established method of supply in which environmental considerations are included. Notes: Results are likely underrepresented due to data entry inaccuracies; training and direction have been provided to procurement officers |
| Strengthen green procurement criteria. |
Participate and support the Clean Electricity Procurement Initiative led by Public Services and Procurement Canada on behalf of federal departments and agencies. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of electricity consumption from clean electricity generation by custodial facilities in the fiscal year. Note: Percentage is based on electricity consumption from non-emitting sources, including renewable energy certificates, divided by the total electricity consumption. Starting point: 72.78% in 2021–22 Provided by Treasury Board Secretariat based on 2020 ECCC emission factors. Target: 100% by 2025-26 |
The use of clean electricity eliminates greenhouse gas emissions in jurisdictions with emitting generation sources. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 12 — Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. CIF indicator 12.2.1 — Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices. GIF target 12.7 — Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities. |
Indicator result: AAFC clean electricity consumption in 2022–23 was 76.6%. Note: Results for 2023–24 are not yet available. |
Goal 13: Take Action on Climate Change and Its Impacts
FSDS context
The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy reiterates in Goal 13 the Government of Canada's commitment in the Greening Government Strategy to lead by example by transitioning its own operations to reach net-zero carbon and become more climate-resilient by 2050. Net-zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions from operations to as close to zero as possible and then balancing out any remaining emissions with an equivalent amount of carbon removal.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is a large federal custodian department representing almost 5% of scoped-in federal government greenhouse gas emissions from its real property and conventional fleet. The department's custodial research portfolio is comprised of 1,066 buildings and 16,257 hectares of land (as of July 2024), including 20 key research and development centres with features such as laboratories, office areas, greenhouses, on-site test plots, barns, various outbuildings and crop storage. Given the breadth of its facilities, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is well-positioned to continue making contributions to emissions reduction with improvements to the energy efficiency of its buildings, by modernizing its fleet from conventional combustion engine vehicles to zero-emission vehicles and through the consumption of clean electricity. The department has already made good progress towards reducing its greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities and fleet by 55% as of 2023-24, relative to 2005-06.
In addition, agriculture plays a key role in meeting the Government of Canada's commitments related to clean growth and climate resiliency. Supporting the sector to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including to reduce emissions and enhance resiliency, is critical to its long-term viability and remains a key priority for the department. In an effort to improve the ability of producers to adapt to the impacts of climate change, the department will seek to increase farmers' awareness and management of on-farm environmental risks, and support the adoption of beneficial management practices and technologies that reduce risks, including those attributed to climate change. Under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the department will work to tackle climate change and enhance environmental protection, including by seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3 to 5 megatonnes over the implementation period of the framework. These efforts will also help to position Canadian producers and processors to seize economic opportunities from evolving consumer demands related to sustainability requirements. In addition, the department will continue to support producers to improve the sustainability and climate resiliency of their operations by supporting and conducting science and innovation as well as on-farm programs. This includes the suite of federal-provincial-territorial Business Risk Management programs to help manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage, including risks and losses from severe weather events (for example, droughts, wildfires and floods).
The department will continue to deliver on initiatives such as the Agricultural Climate Solutions Program, including Living Labs and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund as well as the Agricultural Clean Technology Program. Agricultural Climate Solutions is a multi-stream program that will help to develop and implement farming practices to tackle climate change. Through agricultural practices, such as shelterbelts or cover crops, farmland can store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, as part of the Government of Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy, the Agricultural Clean Technology program supports the development and adoption of clean technology that will enable reduced greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable growth in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector which also includes the Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge that aims to reduce enteric methane emissions from the cattle sector. The department will continue to work to develop and implement a Sustainable Agriculture Strategy to support Canada's 2030 and 2050 climate targets and international commitments.
Target theme: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption
Target: Achieve 40 to 45% greenhouse gas emission reductions below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (Minister of Environment and Climate Change supported by all other ministers)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continue to implement Canada's climate plans and actions. |
Work with provinces and territories through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to reduce national GHG emissions. Program: Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership FPT Cost-Shared Programming - Climate Change and Environment Priority Area. |
Performance indicator: The sum of the total value of the reduction in GHG emissions resulting from the adoption of BMPs funded through Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership FPT Cost-Shared programming on the Proportionate Spend eligible activities list. Starting point: No starting point available; this is a new indicator for GHG reductions from projects funded under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Target: 3- to 5-megatonne reduction to be achieved by the end of the framework, March 2028. |
Programming under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership aims to reduce GHG emissions achieved through the adoption of beneficial management practices. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 2.2 — Canadian agriculture is sustainable. CIF ambition 13.1 — Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. CIF ambition 13.3 — Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change. CIF target 13.1 — By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. GIF target 13.1 — Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. GIF target 13.2 — Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. GIF target 13.3 — Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. |
Indicator result: Result not available Note: Results are not yet available as data required from provinces and territories is only expected to be shared in fall 2024. |
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Climate Resilience
Target: The Government of Canada will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 (all ministers)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Modernize through net-zero carbon buildings. Apply a greenhouse gas reduction life-cycle cost analysis for major building retrofits. |
Take action to implement building energy efficiency measures, including:
Participate and support the Clean Electricity Procurement Initiative led by Public Services and Procurement Canada. Optimize fleet management and renewal, including purchasing at least 75% of new light-duty, on-road fleet vehicles, where suitable options are available and meet operational feasibility. Note: the above departmental actions that contribute to the change in GHG emissions from custodial facilities and conventional fleet are also noted in Goal 12, related to strengthen green procurement criteria. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Percentage of change in GHG emissions from custodial facilities and conventional fleet relative to fiscal year 2005–06. Starting point: 49.3% (49.3 ktCO2e) in 2022-23 relative to 2005–06 (92.0 ktCO2e). Target: 40% reduction by 2025–26; at least 90% by 2050–51. |
Actions that rationalize the portfolio, share facilities, reduce the demand for energy, or switch to lower carbon sources of energy will lead to reductions in GHGs from real property operations. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by reducing fuel consumption, by increasing usage of low-carbon transportation solutions and by replacing conventional fossil-fueled vehicles over their lifetimes with zero-emission vehicles. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 13.1 — Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. CIF target 13.1 — By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. CIF indicator 13.1.1 — Greenhouse gas emissions. GIF target 13.2 — Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. |
Indicator result: 55.5% reduction (44.5 ktCO2e) in 2023-24 Notes: Emission total for 2005–06 base-year revised from 92.0 ktCO2e to 99.83 ktCO2e reflecting updated emission factors published by Environment and Climate Change Canada, greenhouse gas emissions, and to include fleet emissions to base-year. |
Target: The Government of Canada will transition to climate resilient operations by 2050 (all ministers)
| Implementation strategy | Departmental action | Performance indicator starting point target | How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGs | Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce risks posed by climate change to federal assets, services and operations. |
Assess climate-resilient considerations early in investment planning for major projects, informed by the completed portfolio climate resiliency risk assessment, and integrate identified measures into the final designs Respond to the Centre for Greening Government's annual call letter indicating actions have been taken to reduce risks posed by climate change to federal assets, services and operations. Program: Internal Services |
Performance indicator: Reporting on actions taken to address climate related risks in the Federal Greening Government Reporting Template Starting point: No starting point available Target: Annual submission of actions taken to the Federal Greening Government Reporting Template |
By assessing the risks of climate change impacts at mission critical assets, and developing plans to reduce the risks, the risk of disruption of critical service delivery to Canadians is reduced. Factoring climate variability and change into operations is an important way the government can adapt to a changing climate. It is also consistent with the government's risk management approach of enhancing the protection of public assets and resources and strengthening planning and decision-making. Relevant targets or ambitions: CIF ambition 13.1 — Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. CIF target 13.1 — By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. CIF indicator 13.1.1 — Greenhouse gas emissions. GIF target 13.2 — Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. |
Indicator result: Actions taken for climate related risks have been reported in the 2023–24 Federal Greening Government Reporting Template. |
Integrating Sustainable Development
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's mission statement – "to provide leadership in the growth and development of a competitive, innovative and sustainable Canadian agriculture and agri‐food sector" — identifies sustainability as a core attribute for the sector.
Achieving a sustainable agriculture and agri-food sector is a process of continuous improvement in the responsible use and management of agricultural resources along all points of the value chain, including producers, processors and retailers. Sustainable agriculture contributes to sector profitability by safeguarding the land's productive capacity now and into the future, and by reducing operating costs through increased efficiencies. It enhances the domestic and international reputation of the sector and producers as good stewards of the land and helps to both maintain access to existing markets and open new markets, creating opportunities for growth. These outcomes are integral to the sustainability and competitiveness of the Canadian agriculture sector and support its important contribution to Canada's economy.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada continues to work in collaboration with partners such as portfolio organizations, other government departments, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous communities and industry stakeholders to create conditions for the long-term profitability, adaptability and sustainability of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. In addition to the initiatives highlighted in previous sections of the 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy, some examples of departmental efforts that support sustainable development include:
- advocating for the adoption of agricultural innovations (for example, related to plant breeding);
- supporting the development and adoption of science-based international standards for food safety and animal and plant health;
- engaging with multilateral institutions to advocate for rules-based international trade as well as evidence-based regulation of pesticides, biotechnology and other innovative practices in support of sustainable agriculture;
- strengthening scientific research, including by staffing departmental scientists and science professionals in new and emerging areas to increase knowledge, enable innovations and enhance the sector's environmental sustainability, resilience and performance;
- supporting the Government of Canada's commitment to strengthen measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions so that Canada can exceed its 2030 emissions reduction goal and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050;
- supporting commitments in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by 2030, as laid out in Canada's new 2030 Nature Strategy, including by supporting research and adoption of innovative and beneficial practices that protect and enhance biodiversity on the agricultural landscape; and
- supporting Canadian producers and the sector to improve their ability to prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from the impacts of climate change.
Additionally, the Government of Canada is developing a Sustainable Agriculture Strategy to establish a long-term vision and strategic approach to agri-environmental issues, including climate adaptation and resilience, climate change mitigation, water, biodiversity and soil health. This coordinated federal initiative was highlighted in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and the Strengthened Climate Plan as a means to support the agriculture sector's actions on climate change and other environmental priorities toward 2030 and 2050.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada ensures that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its Strategic Environmental Assessment process. A Strategic Environmental Assessment for a policy, plan or program proposal includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on relevant Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets.
Public statements on the results of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's assessments are made public when an initiative has undergone a detailed Strategic Environmental Assessment. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision making.
During the 2023–24 reporting cycle, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada considered the environmental effects of initiatives subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, as part of its decision-making processes. The department systematically applies strategic environmental assessment to proposals submitted to the Minister or Cabinet for approval that may result in important environmental effects, either positive or negative.
The process generally comprises 3 steps, applied progressively as warranted, as follows:
- Initial review — a review to determine whether there is any potential for environmental effects associated with the proposal or whether a previously conducted assessment still applies;
- Preliminary scan — an assessment to determine whether important environmental effects, either positive or negative, would result from the implementation of the proposal; and
- Detailed strategic environmental assessment — a more detailed analysis of environmental effects, including mitigation measures that could reduce or eliminate potential adverse effects or enhance potential environmental benefits.
Preliminary scans and detailed strategic environmental assessments for policy, plan, or program proposals include an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets. Public statements on the results of the department's assessments are made public when an initiative that has undergone a detailed SEA. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects of the approved policy, plan, or program, including the impacts on achieving the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets, have been appropriately considered during proposal development and decision making.
During 2023–24, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada achieved its strategic environmental assessment commitments by:
- Continuing to maintain a database to track and facilitate reporting on strategic environmental assessments; and
- Evaluating the impacts of proposals submitted to the Minister or Cabinet, on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets. The department's proposals can have direct and indirect linkages to a broad range of goals and targets under the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. For example, programming that promotes innovation and encourages adoption of sustainable agricultural practices at a farm or landscape level, contributes to Goal 2: Support a healthier and more sustainable food system of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are also considered where applicable.
Out of the 35 initial reviews completed in the 2023–24 fiscal year, 6 proposals required a preliminary scan level assessment and 2 proposals warranted the completion of a detailed strategic environmental assessment.