The AESI emphasizes projects that address the regional impacts of agricultural practices on water, soil, and air quality, biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative addresses these issues through education and awareness, technology transfer, and stewardship tools including environmental clubs, environmental management systems, and land use planning. It will not support infrastructure such as manure storage facilities. The AESI is national in scope, but regionally sensitive, and delivered through provincial and territorial adaptation councils.
Soil health is recognized as being moderately good and improving in most areas.
However, soil salinisation, compaction and erosion remain significant problems in some regions, and continued efforts are required to increase the adoption of conservation practices. Habitat and biodiversity are important national issues. The AESI is complementary to the Countryside Canada program and may be used to support the understanding of regionally specific wildlife habitat issues, and promote the application of habitat friendly practices. Greenhouse gas emission is an increasingly important issue that the AESI addresses by supporting regional activities that accelerate the selection and adoption of practices that reduce emissions.