At the end of the 20th century, the fossil-based economy has proven to be a major cause of global, regional and local environmental problems. The "bio-based" economy will minimize carbon dioxide emissions, thereby reducing the problem of global warming and improving overall sustainibility.

Bio-industrial crops and novel bio-based processes are being developed to produce liquid and gas based fuels; plants are being modified genetically to make bio-polymers and fibers to substitute for traditional plastics. The agricultural sector in Atlantic Canada and around the world can play a key role in green energy supply without impacting food security.