Sixty percent of producers and agribusiness operators said in a recent survey that they are taking the environment into account in their management practices.
They told the Farm Credit Canada survey they are doing it to reduce their impact on the environment and gain financial value for their businesses.
“The green economy is here to stay,” said Brenda Frank, FCC’s senior director of strategy and business insight.
She said the results of the survey suggest environmental impacts are becoming a factor in day-to-day business for many producers and businesspeople.
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“Some producers and agribusiness owners are using what is sometimes called a triple bottom, factoring people, profit and the planet into their success criteria.”
The survey was sent to 2,646 producers and agribusinesses in November. Responses were received from 1,172 recipients, or 44 percent.
The margin of error is plus or minus 2.9 percent, 19 times out of 20.
Fifty-nine percent of respondents said they are considering new ways to find financial value by reducing their environmental impact. Manitoba producers topped the list at 68 percent.
Frank said that the green economy represents a new way of doing business, but it also means new risks for producers and agribusiness owners to consider as they respond to consumer demands for sustainability and green products.
There are also new opportunities for entrepreneurs in conservation and innovation, she said.
Going green
Here’s what farmers and agribusiness owners said they do to reduce their impact on the environment, according to a survey by Farm Credit Canada.
- Environmental stewardship, 67 percent
- Environmentally friendly management practices, 62 percent
- Conservation of resources, 53 percent
- Use of alternative energy sources, 37 percent
- Reduction of byproducts, 22 percent
- Modification of manufacturing practices, 22 percent
- Other, six percent
