Growing ForwardThe Canada British ColumbiaEnvironmental Farm Plan Program

What is an Environmental Farm Plan?An exercise that identifies on-farm environmental risks

Ranks action items that are used to address the issues

* Voluntary * No cost * Confidential

The Environmental Farm Plan The Planning Workbook

Assess and address risks

Top 10 Reasons to do an EFP#10 You demonstrate due diligence your only defense in court

#9 You become a good steward of the environment which shows you care and are in it for the long term

#8Enhance your marketing opportunities by creating a positive position in the Canada agricultural industry

Top 10 Reasons to do an EFP #7 You are able to deal with the unexpected by having a contingency plan in place #6 Eliminate the need for new legislation/regulation as problems are resolved through practices

#5 Improve relationships with environmental partners and agencies

Why do an Environmental Farm Plan?#4 You may be able to access cost share funding to implement environmental beneficial management practices

#3 You can improve farm profits by reducing costs such as increased insulation, less fertilizer, increased water efficiency

#2 You are a more confident and satisfied producer knowing where you stand

#1 Improve agriculture practices that reduce and/or lessen the risks to the environment

Why do an Environmental Farm Plan?

When can I do the Farm Plan?An Environmental Farm Plan can be done anytime during the Growing Forward Agreement (2009-2013)

Contact your nearest Planning Advisor or the ARDCorp office and they can help you with the process

Steps of the EFP BMPs

Who is eligible to do the Farm Plan?Farm operations that have been in existence on or before January 1st 2004

Producers whose property has farm status classified by the BC assessment authority

Producers with a valid GST number

What do I do with the completed Plan?

Producers will be issued a Statement of Completion from the Planning Advisor keep this certificate for your records

Producers may be eligible for financial incentives from the Beneficial Management Practice Program to implement your plan and resolve the issues

Steps of the EFP BMPs

What are Beneficial Management Practices? These are the action items that lessen environmental risks

Costs may be eligible for cost share funding

Your Planning Advisor can assist with the application

Beneficial Management Practices

Nutrient Management PlanningStabilize stream banksInstall thermal curtainsImprove Manure StorageUpgrade irrigation systemNo till equipmentRelocation of LivestockBuffer EstablishmentImprove Pest ManagementImproved stream crossingRecycling of waste waterMethane Emission Reduction

Implementing the Farm Plan When the action items have been identified and all required action items completed your plan can then be implemented

With the assistance of the Planning Advisor, you may apply for a certificate and a farm sign

Where can I find more information? For more information on the program or to locate a planning advisor in your area, contact the Administration office:

ARDCorp604-854-44831-800-663-3447

www.ardcorp.ca

*******The aim of the Environmental Farm Plan process is to promote environmental change on the landscape as quickly and efficiently as possible. The benefits to the producer and the environment are evident when the environmental issues are resolved.***Who will help me develop the Plan?

Recognized planning advisors are throughout the province and are trained specifically for the program

The planning advisor helps establish priorities, develop potential on-farm solutions, and approve the finalized environmental farm plan

The planning advisor may also develop management plansand assist with the BMP Application****Who will help me develop the Plan?

Recognized planning advisors are throughout the province and are trained specifically for the program

The planning advisor helps establish priorities, develop potential on-farm solutions, and approve the finalized environmental farm plan

The planning advisor may also develop management plansand assist with the BMP Application****