Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The governments of Canada and Manitoba are announcing the launch of Manitoba’s new online Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) platform, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced today.
The EFP is a voluntary, confidential self-assessment of a producer’s farm. The purpose of the EFP is to assess the features and management practices of a farm in order to develop an action plan to mitigate the identified risks.
The new online version of the EFP is modern, efficient and easy for producers to use and is designed with leading edge cyber security and privacy policies to ensure data is always protected. Online tutorials are available to guide producers through the process. The system has updated and streamlined content and several features, which allow producers to customize their EFP workbook to their specific farm operation. Once a workbook is complete, producers can submit it for third-party review by Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) reviewers.
The online platform integrates national and international sustainable sourcing standards that will allow producers to address market requirements for specific commodity groups. This integration adds value to the Manitoba EFP and reduces burden for producers, noted Johnson.
A completed EFP is required for farms participating in most agri-environmental cost share programming, which directly supports initiatives of the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan by enhancing the resiliency and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
By implementing an EFP, producers are able improve air, water and soil quality; conserve biodiversity on Manitoba farmland; contribute to environmental protection and conservation; and, make Manitoba-grown commodities more marketable to environmentally conscious consumers.
More information on the EFP and a link to the online EFP portal can be found at www.ManitobaEFP.ca.
Quotes
“Canadian agriculture’s long-term sustainability depends on its ability to adapt to emerging climate conditions. Manitoba’s new online Environmental Farm Plan allows producers greater access to resources, so they can prioritize best management practices that make the greatest impact on their farm.”
– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Our government is committed to supporting sustainable agriculture production practices such as sustainable water strategies and climate change mitigation activities. The EFP is a valuable, proactive risk management tool. It includes a strong educational component that will continue to provide positive environmental outcomes, while enabling the province to meet its goals for enhancing public trust in the agricultural sector.”
– Derek Johnson, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture
“KAP is pleased to have worked with both levels of government on delivering a tool that producers can confidently and easily use as they work to more easily employ sustainable farming practices in their operations. This new platform will help increase the accessibility of the EFP program for Manitoba producers and sends a strong signal to consumers about the efforts being taken to deliver sustainably grown agricultural products to the marketplace.”
– Bill Campbell, President of Keystone Agricultural Producers
Quick facts
- In 2020, the governments of Canada and Manitoba invested $990,000 through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, in a three-year contribution agreement with Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) to develop the online EFP platform.
- The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
