As a result, the agriculture and agri-food sector is looking for innovative ways to ensure its economic viability, while enhancing environmental sustainability. The agriculture and agri-food sector is becoming more integrated. Many producers are diversifying into processing and marketing. Successful development of new markets will require greater integration between producers and the agri-food industry and closer collaboration within the sector to meet the emerging environmental challenges. Sustainable agriculture systems rely on a healthy rural sector and a more holistic and integrated approach will be needed in the future.
New technologies continue to be developed in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
For example, a significant number of biotechnology products are, or will be, available for use in the near future. These new technologies raise a host of regulatory and public perception issues. A national strategy will also provide a framework for the development of regional action plans based on locally determined priorities, which incorporate economic and social needs within the context of sustainable development.