The approach to completing an EFP in Alberta is new but the reasons it has value remain the same
It's hard to argue with more than 12,000 Alberta farmers and ranchers. Over the past several years, that's how many have begun development of an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) on their operation.
In some cases that process of voluntary self analysis was driven by a simple wish for environmental progress. Producers wanted to confirm what was being done properly on their operation and what wasn't, and to more clearly understand what was needed to meet current standards.
In some cases the EFP was also done for business reasons, to apply for support under various programs or to build product branding efforts that included specific environmental standards of production.
Whatever the reason, producer feedback showed many appreciated the experience of completing an EFP, the opportunity to analyze their operation on their own terms, the access to high quality technical assistance and the opportunity to communicate with other producers.
Many of those reasons still apply and in fact, the EFP is as relevant today as ever. Here's what Alberta producers need to know about completing an EFP today and why it is considered important by many in their industry.
One major change to EFPs in Alberta is the way in which the product is delivered. Today it can be delivered directly to producers or through workshops and coordination of delivery has been assumed by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD).
The process is straightforward. Producers who wish to complete an EFP can contact a local extension person by calling the toll-free ARD help line 310-FARM (3276).
In addition to the hand held workbook that most producers have used, the same material is now available on a CD ROM. Both are available free of charge.
The fundamentals of the rest of the process remain the same. One of the first steps in completing the EFP is to assess the farm's soil and site characteristics. Producers also learn how to use the workbook, complete the relevant chapters, use checklists to review all aspects of their operation and finalize their EFP. The local extension person is available for assistance throughout the process.
Once completed, the producer has the choice to submit their Farm Plan to their EFP resource person for a final critique and review. This process is encouraged because it gives producers an impartial third party view of their analyses. Once reviewed, it will be returned with any suggestions and a letter of completion acknowledging the producer has successfully completed their EFP.
The Farm Plan should be implemented continuously from one year to the next according to the priorities the producer has established. Updating annually makes sense. The EFP is designed as a living document and recent experience shows producers have documented real progress using the approach of revisiting and updating the EFP on a regular basis.
One of the strengths of the EFP process has been the quality of technical assistance available to producers. That continues today. Producers anywhere in the province have access to direct personal assistance from a range of well qualified Technical Assistants.
A list of those assistants is available to producers and is available on the AEFP website.
There are two other main reasons why completing an EFP is important.
One is that an EFP is needed for applying for available financial support. Support for some on-farm environmental improvements is available under the Growing Forward Stewardship Plans program. All projects funded in the Stewardship Plans program require a completed EFP. More information is available at www.GrowingForward.Alberta.ca.
The second is that environment has never been more important. It is a crucial element in marketing agriculture and food products today. Consumers are increasingly aware of food safety and quality and how their food is produced. Canada and Alberta's reputation in domestic and international markets is critical to competing effectively.
That is a main reason why more food brands are building around verified production systems and more producer, industry and government programs revolve around that approach.
There are two direct places to access more information on EFPs in Alberta. The first is by calling the ARD producer toll-free help line at 310-(FARM) 3276.
The second is by reaching the Alberta EFP website at www.albertaEFP.com. That site has resources materials from the program's past efforts, the latest information on what's new with the current EFP effort, as well as links to other resources.