Summary

Development pressures are intense in the Central Zone and many in the agricultural community are experiencing difficult times. None of the objectives identified in this paper will be easy to achieve and not all are achievable through Smart Growth. However elements of all of them need to be addressed in a Smart Growth strategy. Canada's agricultural industry is one of the best in the world, supported by good land, abundant water and an educated, advanced work force. Agricultural contribution to our health, environment, quality of life, and economy is immeasurable. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to manage this resource so it will flourish.