Selling Green: Agri-Environmental Certifications in Ontario

Abstract

Utilizing a multiple account benefit-cost framework, this paper will identify and examine three different types of certifications in Ontario: market-driven, regulatory and voluntary. These three types of certification will provide the basis for the analysis of the distribution of benefits and costs in certification programs in the following three case studies: Local Food Plus, Canadian Quality Milk and the Canada- Ontario Environmental Farm Plan. From farmer to fork, the benefits and costs of certifications will be analyzed and best practices from these case studies will be identified. Indicators for success in certifications and recommendations for application in Ontario will be explored.