Developing an EFP can have benefits for any producer — including those in organic farming
Organic. Natural. Holistic. Environmentally friendly. In an agricultural industry in which so many producers are attempting to create a niche in a changing marketplace, these are words that are often used interchangeably, even though some of them have a series of specific criteria that must be met before producers can market their product as such.
In the midst of this, it's easy to make the mistake of thinking that certified organic producers don't have much to gain from developing an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). Bill Lee, from Camp Creek, Alberta, was a certified organic cow/calf producer from Camp Creek, Alberta when he developed his EFP a few years ago. The experience showed him that an EFP can benefit most any farm, including organics.
"The EFP program is actually a step beyond organic farming in some ways," says Lee. "With organic farming, the market is the main driver. With EFP, it's a matter of looking at how you influence the world you're sharing the environment with. It encompasses a lot more."
Lee's decision to become a certified organic producer was based on the realization that he was already utilizing many organic practices. "So once the premiums justified the cost of becoming certified, it made sense to do so," he says.
A lengthy process was involved before Lee received his organic certification in 1996. "We had to prove that our practices were chemical-free for three years. All feed had to be certified organic. There was a one-year probation period before we could even sell anything labelled 'organic.' It was very market driven."
By comparison, the EFP process has more of an individual on-farm focus — producers do a self-assessment of environmental risks on the farm and then develop their own action plan. Lee says another major difference is the EFP program's emphasis on environmental safety.
"A lot of people think having organic certification means they automatically qualify under EFP, and in fairness there are a lot of things that are standard in both. However, the organic folks are mainly interested in making sure producers do not use any chemicals while the EFP program provides guidelines on how to improve chemical storage practices in order to avoid water contamination. In many ways, it teaches producers how to be better neighbours."
That's not to say that an EFP cannot hold marketing value. Some of the new "natural beef" processors require their suppliers to develop EFPs before they can tap into those premium markets.
"The outside support is coming," says Lee. "As producers, it's sometimes hard to see the forest when you're in the trees — you don't always see the long-term value right away."
Lee has made several EFP-driven practice changes over the years, some of which include the regular relocation of bedding sites, the use of bale and swath grazing as well as the enhancement of his winter grazing program with portable calf shelters.
One thing the organic and EFP programs have in common is extensive record-keeping. Lee keeps track of his grazing rotations with a simple tool: a clear dry erase board placed on top of a map of his farm. He then transfers the information into a binder.
"I've been using rotational grazing since the mid-'80s and intensify it a little more every year," he says. "You have to plan and record what you're doing in order to stay on top of things."
Whenever Lee adopts, changes or continues a farming practice, he considers three factors: how it will impact his bottom line, his quality of life, and the environment around him.
"I like to ask myself, 'Will the rest of the world be able to exist under the practices I'm using today?' I believe that thought drives action, and developing an EFP is a good way to start thinking about how your actions impact the environment around you."
That's a message he likes to bring to his role as a Regional Team Leader (RTL) with the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company (AEFP), which delivers the EFP program in the province. RTLs lead a team of workshop facilitators who deliver workshops at the local level. Attending two free, half-day workshops are the first steps towards developing an EFP.
For information on workshops being held across the province or contact information for facilitators in your area, visit the AEFP Web site at www.AlbertaEFP.com and click "Workshops" or call toll-free 1-866-844-2337.
This article is reprintable with credit to AEFP as follows "Reprinted courtesy of the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company; www.albertaEFP.com".
