This 2008 report provides an economic overview of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food system. It is meant to be a multi-purpose reference document to provide: an introduction to the agriculture and agri-food system; a snapshot of structural changes that are occurring throughout the system in response to various factors; and background data and information to inform public discussions on challenges and opportunities facing the Canadian agriculture and agri-food system. The 2008 report begins with a special feature describing recent developments in global commodity markets when prices rose dramatically over the past year. It continues by reviewing each segment of the system, going upstream from consumers to food distribution, food, beverage and tobacco (FBT) processing, primary agriculture and input suppliers. It concludes with a review of government expenditures in support of agriculture including measures of international support. It introduces a new section this year that considers the natural resources available in Canada and the environmental impacts of agriculture on the environment.