Environmental Farm Plans
Sensible, incremental steps to securing your operation's legacy.
Sustainable Agriculture
Building Your Blueprint
Identify environmental risks and develop plans to mitigate them
Maintaining a healthy environment on a farm, ranch, or acreage is an essential component of success for regional agricultural producers. At its core, an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is a voluntary, whole-farm self-assessment tool. It is designed to help you identify environmental risks inherent in your operation and develop a plan to mitigate them.
Beyond simply identifying risks, creating an EFP deepens your understanding of legal requirements related to environmental issues. It serves as a comprehensive guide to leaving a healthy, productive farm for the next generation by protecting water, air, and soil quality.
Limit Your Liability
creating an EFP deepens your understanding of legal requirements related to environmental issues.
We Can HelpYour Blueprint For Success
Build it Organically
During the EFP process, you will develop an action plan that serves as a blueprint for improving your operation and increasing sustainability.
Fortunately, there is no rigid timeline for making these improvements. Producers are simply encouraged to tackle the list as soon as time and resources allow.
A practical strategy for getting started is to address the low-cost, easy-to-implement items first, and then work your way up to larger projects.
Keep it Current
The Ten-Year Rule
If your current EFP is more than ten years old, it is time for a refresh. You must update your plan to ensure your farm remains eligible for specific funding programs and retains access to certain markets.
The Government of Alberta has launched an online platform to streamline the EFP development and update process.
Operational Efficiencies
Why producers should prioritize an EFP
Why Producers Should Prioritize an EFP
While an EFP is voluntary, the benefits of completion are significant. By pinpointing where improvements can be made and addressing risks, you increase operational efficiency. This often leads to reduced farm costs and, consequently, increased profit.
Furthermore, with a completion certificate in hand, you become eligible for various funding streams under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Unlocking Market Access & Consumer Trust
Pairing environmental stewardship with agricultural production is becoming crucial for marketing your products. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the safety, quality, and origin of their food. Consequently, "sustainable sourcing" is becoming a standard requirement for many major food purchasers, from manufacturers to restaurants.
Having a current EFP demonstrates to the public, government, lenders, and investors that you are actively and responsibly managing your environmental risks.
Ready to get started?
Whether you are creating your farm's first Environmental Farm Plan or updating one that is older than a decade, don't wait. Get the ball rolling by reaching out to Farm FireSmart today.
