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Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan
A voluntary environmental education and awareness program
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As of September 22, 2021, everyone who attends an in-person workshop will be required to show identification with their name and date of birth and proof that they have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to attending the workshop. Upon registration, your local workshop leader will be in touch with you to confirm health and safety practices. All participants will be required to wear a mask during the workshop and registration numbers may be limited to support physical distancing.
The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is an assessment voluntarily prepared by farm families to increase their environmental awareness in up to 23 different areas on their farm. Through the EFP process, farmers highlight their farm’s environmental strengths, identify areas of environmental concern, and set realistic action plans with time tables to improve environmental conditions. The EFP can then be used in conjunction with cost-share programs to begin implementing their action plans.
The idea for Environmental Farm Plans originated from the Ontario farm community. Farmers were involved in every stage of developing the original EFP through the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition. The program continues to be delivered to the farm community by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association through funding provided by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), a federal- provincial-territorial initiative. The Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition was led by agricultural organizations including: Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, and Farm and Food Care Ontario.
There are two ways you can complete your Environmental Farm Plan:
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1. In-person, 2-day workshop (recommended)
If you have not previously participated in an EFP workshop, or it has been a long time since you participated, you should attend an in-person EFP workshop. The in-person EFP workshop offers farmers the opportunity to learn from a knowledgeable OSCIA staff person through instruction to help assess your soils, introduce you to the farm review process, and learn about cost-share funding opportunities. The in-person workshop also offers networking opportunities with fellow farmers.
There is also an option for a one-day renewal EFP workshop. This option is suited for farms who are looking to update a 3rd or 4th edition EFP and have their previously verified workbook.
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2. Electronically
This is a convenient option for farmers looking to update their existing EFP workbook. This is not a replacement for the in-person 2-day workshop, and farmers who are new to EFP or who have not participated for many years are encouraged to consider the in-person option which provides instruction from OSCIA and networking with fellow farmers.
Note: The EFP verification process may take up to 30 days after electronic workbook submission. Please plan accordingly when completing your electronic Environmental Farm Plan
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Upcoming EFP Workshops
Please note that EFP and GYFP are two day workshops. For full details, please go to www.ontarioprograms.net, log in and go to ‘Workshops’
If you do not see a workshop in your area, please contact a workshop leader to discuss opportunities.
Workshop registration is now completed through the Client Portal at www.ontarioprograms.net. You may access the site as a New Client and register for a workshop. You do not have to apply for cost-share, but if you have already enrolled for cost-share on the portal, you can use your current login to access registration for workshops. If you have questions about workshop registration, please contact the workshop leader in your area.
Follow the links below to learn more about the EFP and find additional resources
[columns][three-columns][iconbox type=”left” icon=”gears” heading=”Overview”]More about the EFP[/iconbox][/three-columns][three-columns][iconbox type=”left” icon=”files-o” heading=”EFP Infosheets”]Addressing concerns identified through the EFP[/iconbox][/three-columns][three-columns][iconbox type=”left” icon=”fire-extinguisher” heading=”EFP Emergency Plan”]Learn about your risks and develop an emergency plan[/iconbox][/three-columns][/columns]
[columns][two-columns][iconbox type=”left” icon=”video-camera” heading=”EFP Videos”]Supporting videos[/iconbox] [/two-columns][two-columns] [iconbox type=”left” icon=”files-o” heading=”Resources”]Additional EFP Resources[/iconbox] [/two-columns][/columns]
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