The Future of Animal Agriculture in North America - Farm Foundation

Chapter 6
Environmental Issues
The evolution of animal agriculture in North America is
focusing increased attention on its impacts on water and air
quality. The adoption of new technologies and the restructuring
of the food and agricultural system are generating new
economic and environmental impacts and influencing public
perception about animal agriculture. The expansion of livestock
and poultry production is increasingly leading to private
disputes and public issues concerning agricultural production
and the environment. These disputes are leading to new
patterns of costs and benefits and, in some cases, public policies
that are affecting competitiveness of this sector. The issues and
options to resolve them are complex and require increased
understanding and involvement by all stakeholders.
North America has significant livestock and poultry sectors, and
the United States and Canada export a significant amount of
grain. Manure and other byproducts from animal production
are an important source of fertilizer nutrients for crop
production. Manure also has the potential and is increasingly
being used for energy production. It is an important resource
with actual value to humans when available in the right form,
location and time. The challenge for producers is to accurately
value the byproducts of livestock and poultry production when
making business decisions in such a way that it does not
negatively impact water, air and other environmental attributes.
The economic environment for North American animal
agriculture has changed dramatically in recent years. Meat
exports have increased significantly during the last decade (see
Trade Chapter). Broiler production continues to increase
steadily. The hog and egg sectors continue to undergo major
economic reorganization and geographical relocation. There is
also a growing population of nonfarm rural residents who have
moved to the countryside and in some communities are
increasing the number of neighbors to a farm. These new
neighbors may not be familiar with modern farming practices
and are often concerned about the environmental aspects of
livestock farmers.
There are also emerging issues being raised regarding the
possible human health aspects of other potential byproducts
from livestock and poultry production. Air emissions from
animal agriculture are being studied for potential releases of
compounds that are harmful to humans. Research also is
evaluating the possible transmission and impact of U.S. Food
and Drug Administration-approved pharmaceuticals used in
animal agriculture.
This chapter begins with a discussion on the various policy
instruments used in the three North American countries to
assist animal agriculture regarding environmental issues. It then
outlines the current concerns and methods of addressing water
and air quality and emerging issues, and discusses challenges to
implementing existing programs and public policy alternatives
that are being evaluated. It concludes with a discussion of
options for moving ahead and information needs.
Current Policy Instruments
Canada
In Canada, jurisdiction over the environment and agriculture
is shared between the federal and provincial governments.
The federal government is mainly involved in national
environmental priorities and interjurisdictional issues, such as
air pollution and toxic chemicals. Provincial governments have
their own policy and agri-environmental policy instruments to
deal with their respective situations and issues.
Historically, the policy environment has been dominated by
regulatory approaches. At the national level, the Fisheries Act,
the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), the
Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Species at Risk Act are
all regulatory instruments that currently mandate Canadians’
behavior, including that of farmers. The Fisheries Act prohibits
the deposit of deleterious substances into waters frequented by
fish or into storm drains that lead to such waters. CEPA sets
out a process to assess the risks of toxic substances on the
environment and human health and to manage these risks.
Provinces have their own regulations, including those on
nutrient management developed to reduce environmental
risks related to the disposal or use of various nutrients,
including manure.
During the last two decades, federal and provincial
governments have also developed programming to provide
financial incentives for the adoption of environmentally sound
management practices and to better monitor environmental
performance. With the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF),
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