Protein Industries Canada: Shining a light on sustainability in Canada’s agri-food sector

The challenge: Demonstrating sustainability

To ensure the sustainability of our global food systems, we need to transform how we grow food. This is key for both people and our planet. Canada is one of the most sustainable, safe, and reliable food producers in the world. But we need to find concrete ways to demonstrate these values. 

 

Considerable data exists on Canada’s agri-food sector. However, there is currently no consolidated set of metrics of how Canada is doing on issues such as:

  • environmental sustainability
  • food nutrition 
  • food safety
  • supply reliability 

The power of standards: Developing a national agri-food index

To demonstrate Canada’s record in these areas when it comes to agri-food production and supply, we need to develop common definitions, standards and verifiability. We also need to have comparable data and data-sharing. SCC worked with a coalition of organizations to develop an integrated picture of Canada’s agri-food sector’s sustainability – from food production to retail. The result of our combined efforts will be a national food index. Our partners include: 

  • Protein Industries Canada 
  • Pulse Canada
  • Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan 
  • more than 75 organizations spanning the food system

About the standard

Objective: The coalition is using science-based metrics based on 4 sustainability priorities to create a national index on agri-food performance. The priorities include:

  • environment
  • economics
  • health and food safety
  • societal well-being 

Impact: Showcasing Canada’s sustainable food production and supply chain

Creating a national agri-food index will provide a concrete way to demonstrate that Canada’s agri-food production and supply is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable. This will build trust and enable Canada to show its track record and leadership in a credible way. It will help increase Canada’s competitiveness in the global market by shining a spotlight on the sustainable practices used in the industry. The index will also help pinpoint where improvements can be made.