1 Introductory Workshop
• Evaluate site and soil
• Assess potential concerns
• Learn how to develop plan
2 Complete chapters and draft plan at home
• Review all aspects of your operation
• Identify actions for high-risk situations
• Develop a schedule for implementing your plan
3 Workshop II
• Review chapters
• Consider possible actions
• Finish plan and submit for peer review
4 Review Committee
• Request changes if high-risk situations are not addressed adequately
• Add suggestions
• Return plan to you
5 Implementation
• Put plan into action
• Evaluate each year
The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) process helps identify environmental risks and strengths and to develop a plan to reduce the risks and build on the strengths. Every step in the process is entirely voluntary.
The process includes two workshops, led by an experienced local producer. Each workshop takes 4 to 5 hours. The workshops and workshop materials are provided free of charge.
At the Introductory Workshop, the participant assesses the farm's soil and site characteristics. And also learn how to use the EFP chapters and how to develop the plan.
Between the two workshops, the participant completes the chapters -- easy-to-use checklists -- to review all aspects of the operation. The participant also prepares an initial draft of the plan.
Workshop II entails reviewing chapters and sharing ideas for options to address identified risks. Then participants finalize the plan.
Next, a Review Committee of experienced farmers reviews the plan. The committee is not told who prepared the plan. The committee identifies any high-risk areas that are not adequately addressed in the plan. It may also suggest additional options for addressing specific risks.
After the plan has been reviewed and returned, participants receive a farm gate sign and certificate, acknowledging their participation and interest in making agriculture more environmentally sustainable.
Then the plan is implemented, making the changes identified in the EFP, according to the schedule the participant set in the plan. Each year, the participants evaluate progress and look for ways to improve the plan. A follow-up workshop will be offered within three years to help keep the plan current.