Corporate implementation of sustainable agriculture: Exploring strategies, indicators, and framework alignment in Canada

This study examines the implementation and adoption of sustainable agricultural approaches by major food production and distribution companies in Canada, focusing on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), regenerative agriculture, and sustainable agriculture. Through thematic analysis of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports and semi-structured interviews, the research explores corporate strategies, key indicators, and the alignment of sustainability initiatives with established frameworks. Findings reveal that while companies do not always explicitly label their strategies under a specific framework, their sustainability initiatives often align with the principles of CSA, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable agriculture, particularly in areas such as carbon sequestration, water use efficiency, and soil health. However, social strategies remain less consistently measured and are often discussed in broad terms rather than through concrete, trackable indicators. Additionally, companies vary in the depth of their sustainability strategies, with some outlining clear, specific plans, while others simply emphasize their commitment to sustainability without detailed implementation pathways. The study highlights how companies integrate sustainability principles into their long-term strategies, reinforcing their role in advancing sustainable agriculture in Canada, albeit with differing levels of engagement and measurability.