Re: **INDICATORS****
Dominique F Charron (dcharron@uoguelph.ca)
Mon, 7 Nov 1994 11:35:38 -0400 (EDT)
I too am looking at indicators in the agricultural arena. I am attempting
to describe (qualitatively and quantitatively) the relationships among
farming practices, aquatic ecosystem health and farm economic health. My
project is part of the Tri-council funded Agroecosystem health
(AESH)research program at the U og Guelph, which is developing a
framework (using indicators) for the assessment of AESH in Ontario
agroecosystems. My project is measuring these aspects of AESH at three
different scales: the farm, the sub-watershed and the landscape/province.
The indicators I am using for the health of aquatic ecosystems on farms
is stream fish and invertebrate communities; for the economic health, a
crude measure such as net farm income, percent income from off-farm
sources and/or level of debt and subsidy to the farm. The farming
practices that i am focusing on are those pertaining to livestock in
particular, given the nature of Ontario farms, and the links through
water among farm practices, aquatic ecosystem health and farm economic
health.
I found the postings in answer to Cheryl's query helpful. If any one has
suggestions regarding reliable but crude indicators of farm
economic health in particular , I would be ever grateful for the posting.
Sincerely
Dominique Charron