There is a growing concern about the impact and effectiveness of environmental regulations, specifically impact on the competitiveness of primary agriculture. The objective of this report is to discuss different methodologies and assessment criteria for the evaluation of the impacts of environmental regulations in the agricultural sector; to identify the relevant environmental regulations administered at the federal, provincial and local levels; and an analytical framework to evaluate the future role of regulations and other policy instruments in achieving the desired social, environmental and economic outcomes. This study is a foundation piece for later phases of multi-year research project to develop strategic environmental policy for sustainable agriculture and environment.