1 Introduction and preparation
• Participant expresses an interest to the local EFP resource person.
• Participant preparation includes collecting soils reports and actual distances to water sources.
• EFP Technical Assistant preparation includes searching for water well reports and aerial photos.
2 Discussion with resource person
• Led by the local EFP resource person
• Participant:
• Learns to use the EFP workshop
to assess his/her potential
environmental concerns.
• Receives information on technical
resources.
3 Completion of Farm Plan at home
• Participant completes chapters that apply to his/her operation.
• Identifies and prioritizes situations that need to be addressed in the Farm Plan.
• Completes Farm Plan.
4 Submission of Farm Plan for review
• Participant submits Farm Plan to the local EFP resource person for review.
• Resource person offers technical suggestions to strengthen Farm Plan and ensure appropriate risk mitigation; and returns Plan.
5 Continuous implemen-tation of Farm Plan improvements
• Puts Farm Plan into action through beneficial management practices and according to priority timetable.
• Re-evaluates Farm Plan each year.
Throughout the process, the participant has continual access to the local EFP resource person.
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.
EFP delivery is provided by a local environmental extension person - please contact 310-FARM for the name of the EFP resource person in your area. The EFP workbook or CD are provided free of charge.
One of the first steps in the EFP process has the producer assessing the farm's soil and site characteristics. Producers also learn how to use the EFP chapters and develop their own Farm Plan.
Next, the producer completes the chapters in the form of easy to use checklists to review all aspects of the operation. The producer then finalizes the Farm Plan.
The local EFP resource person is available to support the producer through out the EFP process.
The producer has the choice to submit the Farm Plan to the EFP resource person for a final critique and review.
After the Farm Plan has been reviewed it will be personally returned with any necessary suggestions along with a letter of completion acknowledging the producer's participation and interest in making agriculture more environmentally sustainable.
The action steps in the Farm Plan should be implemented continuously from one year to the next according to the priorities established by the producer. Annually, the producer reviews the Farm Plan to evaluate progress.