The agriculture and agri-food sector of the Canadian economy is a significant
user of non-renewable energy both as direct energy (diesel, gasoline) and indirect energy
(fertilizer). Direct on-farm energy expenditure for mechanical power accounts for over
$1 billion, or about 10% of total farm operating cost in the three Prairie Provinces.
Gasoline, diesel and other fuels met over 70% of this requirement; electricity and natural
gas constituting the remainder. Primary agriculture production also requires indirect
energy embodied in machinery, fertilizer and pesticides.
