Ecological Goods and Services
Ecological Goods and Services (EG&S) are the positive environmental benefits that Canadians derive from healthy ecosystems, including clean water and air, and enhanced biodiversity. The EG&S concept includes market goods produced from ecosystems (e.g. food, fibre, fuel, fresh water, generic resources, biochemicals, etc.), the benefits from ecosystem processes (e.g. nutrient cycling, climate regulation, water purification, waste treatment, pollination, etc.) and non-material benefits (e.g. aesthetic values, recreation, etc.).
Agriculture is both a beneficiary and a provider of EG&S. For example, farming's viability depends on ecosystem processes like soil renewal, climate regulation, and precipitation. At the same time, well-managed agricultural lands can provide benefits to broader society like fish and wildlife habitat, scenic views, and purification of air and water through natural processes.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada recognizes the contributions of farmers and rural landowners in protecting and enhancing the environment. Current AAFC programming takes into consideration the concept of EG&S. Programs such as the National Environmental Farm Planning Initiative and the National Farm Stewardship Program (NFSP) provide technical and financial assistance to support adoption of beneficial management practices (BMPs) by agricultural producers and land managers. BMPs are important to the long-term health of the environment and the sustainability of the agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada.
AAFC is working with provincial governments to develop a framework for policies that are good for agriculture and that provide environmental benefits for all Canadians. Key elements of this work include research and pilot projects supported through the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) program.
Find out more about the EG&S policy development process