Environmental Farm Plan Program
Highlights
The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program is designed for farmers like you who want to enhance their environmental stewardship and sustainability. By participating, you gain access to expert consultants who will help you identify and mitigate environmental risks on your farm. This program not only helps you protect the environment but also improves your farm's efficiency and profitability.
Key Benefits:
- Complimentary access to EFP Advisors who assist in creating or renewing your Environmental Farm Plan.
- Funding opportunities through the Beneficial Management Practices program to address identified environmental risks.
- Increased marketability by showcasing your farm's commitment to environmental sustainability with an EFP sign.
Why Apply?
- Enhanced efficiency and profitability through better environmental practices.
- Access to funding for projects like waste management, air quality control, and water quality improvements.
- Easy qualification process with support from knowledgeable advisors.
Participating in the EFP Program is a straightforward way to improve your farm's sustainability and gain financial support for necessary environmental improvements.
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, specifically those marked as high priority (red box answers).
Restrictions:
- Funds cannot be used for expenses unrelated to the environmental risks identified in the EFP workbook.
- Personal expenses or non-farm-related costs are not eligible.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with applying for or receiving this grant.
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 agricultural activities usually associated with the farm unit.
- Must include all contiguous farm parcels but might 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:
- Crown license land.
Description
The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program is a great opportunity for your business. It helps you identify and manage environmental risks on your farm. By participating, you can improve your farm’s sustainability and efficiency.
You can receive funding to address issues like waste management, air quality, soil health, and water quality. This funding can help you implement solutions that benefit both the environment and your business operations.
The program provides access to expert advisors who will guide you through creating or updating your Environmental Farm Plan. This plan is tailored to your farm’s specific needs and helps you stay compliant with environmental regulations. It’s a valuable tool for enhancing your farm’s long-term sustainability and profitability.
Program Steps
Request an EFP Appointment:
- 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.
Prepare Documentation:
- Gather necessary documents, including:
- CRA business number
- Previous EFP workbook number (if applicable)
- Any relevant farm operation details
- Gather necessary documents, including:
On-Farm Appointment:
- Meet with your EFP Advisor on your farm.
- Work through the EFP workbook to identify environmental risks using the color-coded checklist.
Develop an Action Plan:
- Answer all questions in the workbook.
- Develop an action plan to address and prioritize red and yellow box questions.
- Sign the Statement of Completion with your advisor.
Apply for Funding:
- Identify projects that can be funded through the Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) program.
- Submit the necessary documentation to apply for funding to address environmental risks.
Implement Your EFP:
- Complete your workbook and ensure no outstanding red box items.
- Contact your advisor to request an EFP sign and/or certificate upon implementation.
Display Your EFP Sign:
- Put up your Environmental Farm Plan sign to showcase your farm’s environmental sustainability.
- Remember to renew your farm plan every 5 years by contacting your advisor.