The EFP is a voluntary self-assessment completed by farm businesses to increase their environmental awareness by recognizing positive steps already implemented and identifying areas for improvement..
Environmental cost-share programs can assist in implementing projects identified in a farm’s EFP action plan. The idea for the EFP originated from the Ontario farm community and farmers have been involved in every stage of EFP development since its inception 25 years ago. In Ontario, the EFP is delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).
The EFP program began as a pilot project in 1993 in seven Ontario counties. Funding between 1992 and 1997 was provided by the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Land Management Assistance Program and the agricultural component of the federal Green Plan. Technical support for the program was provided by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) became involved in the EFP program in 1997 as an administrator of financial support through the CanAdapt program. The OFA received funding on behalf of OFEC to support innovative projects designed to foster increased long-term growth, self-reliance, employment and competitiveness for Ontario’s agriculture, agri-food sector and rural communities.
This aligned with the goals of the EFP program. Funding for the CanAdapt program was provided through AAFC’s Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development fund. The AAC continued to administer funds for the EFP until 2004 - the EFP program was the largest project investment by the AAC in its 20-year history.
Between 2005 and 2008 funding was provided by AAFC and OMAFRA under the Agricultural Policy Framework, an agreement among federal, provincial and territorial governments. Through the Growing Forward and Growing Forward 2 framework agreement, AAFC and OMAFRA have supported the continuation of the program delivered today by the OSCIA.
With over 35,000 participants since the program began, this internationally recognized program has been very successful in helping Ontario farmers make on-farm environmental improvements and adopt more environmentally sustainable practices.
Source: AAC