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Growing Forward. The Canada – British Columbia Environmental 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
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Growing Forward The Canada – British Columbia Environmental 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 #8 Enhance 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
Why do an Environmental Farm Plan? #1 Improve agriculture practices that reduce and/or lessen the risks to the environment
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 Contact PA Develop plan Statement of Completion Certificate of Implementation Farm Sign BMPs No Action Items Action Items
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 Contact PA Develop plan Statement of Completion Certificate of Implementation Farm Sign BMPs No Action Items Action Items
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 Water Quality Water Quantity Climate Change
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: ARDCorp 604-854-4483 1-800-663-3447 www.ardcorp.ca