A scenic photo overlooking a small valley with some water and waterfowl in it, a ridge in the background with some wind turbines on it, and the snow-capped Rockies in the background.

Sustainability is dead? Long live sustainability

Every farmer I have ever spoken to is intent on passing along their farm in better shape for the next generation. Indigenous farmers embrace managing their land for seven generations ahead. This thinking can inspire how Canada can compete in an unsettling global economy. Leaning into environmental sustainability may seem counter-intuitive at a time when […] Read more

A tractor pulls a cultivator in a field.

Economics called important part of sustainability

Producers are told they must mobilize better to get the message about their sustainability successes out to policy makers

Economic sustainability often gets lost in the federal push toward environmental sustainability in agriculture, says Stuart Smyth of the University of Saskatchewan.

The author writes that farmers can, and will, adopt more environmentally sustainable practices, but not at a cost to the economic health of their family or business.  |  File photo

Farm economic aspect often ignored

The term “environmental sustainability” frequently lacks definition, though it is widely used by governments, media, retailers and environmental non-governmental organizations. We use the term in our research, where we demonstrate with evidence how environmental sustainability has changed, for better or worse. However, the term has been over-used and often lacks meaning or value. The term […] Read more


Danish organic dairy farmer Lone Anderson speaks during a panel discussion on sustainability and innovation at the North American European Union conference in Charlottetown, P.E.I.  |  NAEU photo

Gov’t policy on ag technology worries producers

Farmers in Europe and Mexico say roadblocks for some forms of agricultural innovation stand in the way of sustainability

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Farmers from countries reluctant to approve new tools such as gene editing say they could use those technologies to meet demand, be profitable and ensure environmental sustainability. Several representatives, including organic farmers, said during a North American European Union farm leaders conference that innovation is critical. The pandemic, war in Ukraine and […] Read more