The sector has been and continues to be faced with many environmental challenges. While considerable progress has been made in tackling issues such as resource conservation, packaging and waste management, more work is required to increase the efficiency, economic viability and ease of adoption of environmental practices. In addition, the issues and the sector itself, continue to evolve. New environmental challenges such as international environmental agreements may have impacts on the agriculture and agri-food sector. To comply with domestic or international standards, the sector will need to examine its practices, balancing the need for environmentally sustainable practices with the necessity to remain competitive in domestic and international markets.
Interest remains high in environmental, human health and safety issues.
To respond effectively to public consensus the sector needs to focus on communicating information and involving the public. The continued development and adoption of new technologies is essential if the sector is to remain competitive. These, however, must be incorporated in an environmentally sustainable manner. Increasing global competition for agri-food markets will likely encourage higher standards and more environmentally sound practices throughout the sector which, while nationally consistent, must recognize regional needs and priorities. Fiscal restraint and rebalancing of expenditures away from income support and subsidies, and changes in transportation policy will challenge the sector and governments to develop innovative ways to ensure economic viability and continued environmental sustainability.