Environmental farm plans helps producers reduce risk

Alberta agricultural can reduce risks to their farming operation by developing a free and confidential Environmental Farm Plan (EFP).

"The Environmental Farm Plan process helps producers identify and address environmental risks and opportunities on their farm or ranch," says Therese Tompkins, Program Director with the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company. "This allows them to set their own realistic goals and action plans to benefit their operations."

Producers are facing more environmental challenges and regulations than ever before, says Tompkins. Most producers by and large are doing a good job of addressing these concerns, but the EFP process often helps by uncovering simple options for improvements.

"Any producer who wants to be successful over the long term will be managing risks like market risks, production risks, and succession plans. Managing environmental risks is another part of getting the most out of your farm business."

Producers choosing to take advantage of EFP benefits can attend one of many free workshops held across Alberta over the next several months. These workshops allow producers to design their own EFPs, with the help of knowledgeable facilitators and workbooks that walk through the process in simple, step-by-step terms.

"The entire process is free, confidential and there are no obligations," says Tompkins. "This is simply a voluntary self-assessment program. Producers design their own plans and implement them as they choose."

There are many specific benefits to reducing risk through the EFP process, she says. A few examples include major cost savings through efficiency improvements, increased acceptance of the operation among neighbours and the public and added value to the farm property.

Farmers also benefit in many ways by improving their knowledge of environmental regulations and issues. "The process increases producers' understanding of the legal requirements related to environmental issues and gives them a much clearer view of where they stand. It helps them see what they are already doing well and pinpoint where improvements could be made."

At the workshops, trained facilitators with farming backgrounds lead the sessions in which participants work through a comprehensive workbook. Listings of workshop dates and locations are available on the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company Web site, at www.albertaefp.com.

"It's a two-step process," says Tompkins. "After the first of the two program workshops, participants go back to their farms or ranches and assess their environmental risks and opportunities. They then attend the second workshop to create a plan of action to enhance their operations." Each workshop takes four to five hours, and producers complete worksheets in their workbooks between each session.

Producers may choose to submit their completed workbook for a confidential review by a review committee, which is comprised of local producers selected by the AEFP Company to provide feedback on completed plans. Those approved by the review committee receive a certificate indicating they have completed the program. They are also eligible to receive a gate sign with the same message.

Beginning this year, producers successfully completing the Environmental Farm Plan process will be eligible to gain government financial assistance toward making environmental enhancements on their farms.

Major funding and in-kind services for Alberta's environmental farm plan program development and delivery have been provided by Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, through the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) agreement. Additional support has been provided by the Agriculture and Food Council, through the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Initiative and the Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development (CARD) Fund; the Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Council and various ministries of the Government of Alberta. Contributions have also come from more than 100 local municipalities, businesses and agricultural organizations.

© 2005 Meristem Information Resources Ltd.
Meristem® is a registered trademark of Meristem Information Resources Ltd. All rights reserved.
Legal Disclaimer