Beneficial Management Practices
Highlights
The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program is designed for farmers like you who are committed to environmental sustainability. By participating, you gain access to expert consultants who will help you identify and mitigate environmental risks on your farm. This can lead to increased efficiency, profitability, and attract new customers who value sustainable practices.
Why Apply?
- Expert Guidance: Work with EFP Advisors to create a comprehensive plan tailored to your farm.
- Funding Opportunities: Identify and access funding through the Beneficial Management Practices program for projects like waste management, air quality control, and water quality improvements.
- Enhanced Reputation: Display your EFP sign to showcase your commitment to environmental stewardship, potentially attracting more customers and partners.
What’s in it for You?
- Complimentary Program: No cost to you for accessing expert advice and creating your EFP.
- Long-term Benefits: Improve your farm’s sustainability, efficiency, and profitability.
- Easy Qualification: If your farm meets the basic criteria, you are likely to qualify, making it a straightforward process to get started.
By joining the EFP Program, you not only contribute to a healthier environment but also enhance the long-term success and reputation of your farm.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Eligible Expenses:
- Waste management
- Air quality control
- Emissions control
- Soil and riparian integrity
- Water quality
- On-farm materials storage
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used to address environmental risks identified in your Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) workbook.
- Funds cannot be used for non-environmental improvements or expenses unrelated to the EFP.
Repayment Terms:
- This is a grant, so there are no repayment terms or interest rates.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with this program.
Qualifications
- Must be a farm or ranch operation in British Columbia, including First Nations agricultural operations.
- Must be a licensed aquaculture producer or federally licensed cannabis or hemp producer.
- Must have a Federal Business Number (formerly known as the GST number).
- Must encompass all farming or ranching activities associated with the farm unit.
- Must include all contiguous farm parcels, but may also include remote parcels.
- May include land leased for a term equal to or exceeding five years.
- May include Crown lease land but not Crown license land.
- May include more than one agricultural enterprise.
May consist of more than one owner.
Disqualifications:
- Operations that do not have a Federal Business Number.
- Operations that do not include all farming or ranching activities associated with the farm unit.
- Operations that include Crown license land.
Description
This program helps your business become more environmentally friendly. By participating, you can work with consultants who will help you create an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). This plan identifies potential environmental risks on your farm and offers ways to mitigate them.
Benefits for your business include:
- Access to expert advice: Consultants will help you understand and address environmental challenges.
- Increased efficiency and profitability: Implementing sustainable practices can reduce costs and attract new customers.
- Funding opportunities: You can apply for financial support to implement the improvements identified in your EFP.
What you can use the funding for:
- Waste management
- Air quality control
- Emissions control
- Soil and riparian integrity
- Water quality
- On-farm materials storage
This program is a great way to enhance your farm's sustainability, improve your operations, and potentially increase your profitability.
Program Steps
Request an EFP:
- Fill out the form to request an on-farm appointment with an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Advisor.
- Have your CRA business number and previous EFP workbook number (if applicable) ready.
Schedule an Appointment:
- Wait for your assigned EFP Advisor to reach out and schedule an on-farm appointment.
Prepare Documentation:
- Gather necessary documents, including:
- CRA business number
- Previous EFP workbook number (if applicable)
- Any relevant farm operation details
- Gather necessary documents, including:
Assess Environmental Risks:
- During the on-farm appointment, work with your advisor to complete the EFP workbook.
- Identify environmental risks using the color-coded checklist.
- Develop an action plan to address and prioritize red and yellow box questions.
- Sign the statement of completion with your advisor.
Apply for Funding:
- Use the completed EFP workbook to identify projects eligible for funding through the Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) program.
- Projects may include waste management, air quality control, emissions control, soil and riparian integrity, water quality, and on-farm materials storage.
Implement Your EFP:
- Ensure all action items for red box questions are addressed.
- Review and sign the Statement of Implementation with your advisor.
Request EFP Sign:
- Contact your advisor to request an Environmental Farm Plan sign and/or certificate upon successful implementation.
Display Your EFP Sign:
- Proudly display your EFP sign to showcase your farm’s environmental sustainability.
Renew Your EFP:
- Contact your advisor to renew your EFP every five years or if significant changes occur in your farming operation.