Farmers Embrace New Environmental Farm Plan

Farmers are embracing the new Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) enthusiastically. By the time you read this column, well over 1,200 farmers will have participated in workshops for the Third Edition EFP. Nearly half of them have completed EFPs that have been peer-reviewed and deemed appropriate. Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) Program Representatives have held more than 90 series of EFP workshops throughout the province. At least one workshop has been held in most counties and districts.

Since the program was announced this spring, Ontario's farmers have submitted over 1,730 Project Proposal Applications, representing more than $12 million in federal allocation across the three programs (Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program, Greencover Canada, and the CanadaOntario Water Supply Expansion Program). Add on the minimum required farmers' portion of the financial contribution (10 - 70%) and the estimated total investment in onfarm environmental improvements falls anywhere between $13.3 and $40 million.

Ontario's farmers created the original EFP program back in 1992 and it has been a great success ever since. The program has evolved and cost-share opportunities are now significant - up to $30,000 per registered farm business. The key features that have contributed to the program's success remain the same voluntary, confidential, and educational. There is no fee to participate in an EFP workshop.

AGCare is very proud that over 27 ,000 Ontario farmers voluntarily participated in the two previous editions of the program, committing time and money to effective stewardship projects, while learning about environmental protection on their farms.

Check out OSCIAS new EFP website at www.ontariosoilcrop.org for more information or to find a workshop near you.

IMPORTANT DEADLINE AHEAD!
Just 4 More Months to Access Funding for First and Second Edition EFPs

Don't forget if you completed an EFP and had it deemed appropriate from 1993 to 2004 you may be able to use it to satisfy eligibility for cost share dollars through the current federal environmental cost-share programs but only until March 31, 2006. After that date, all cost-share applications will require the applicant to have a Third Edition EFP deemed appropriate through peer review. Call your local OSCIA Program Representative or the OS CIA at 1-800-265-9751 for more information.