A new edition of the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) will be available to Ontario farmers starting July 14, 2025.
The updated EFP marks the fifth edition of the program since it was first published in 1993. The new edition reflects current regulatory requirements and latest science on best management practices, including links to new tools and new areas of focus such as biodiversity and farming in a changing climate.
The EFP consists of two parts: a confidential self-assessment of the farm operation and a farm-specific action plan. Through this process, farmers highlight their farm’s environmental strengths, identify areas of concern, and develop realistic action plans with timelines to improve environmental conditions. Funding programs may be available to assist farmers in implementing improvements identified in their EFP action plan. There is no cost to farmers to participate.
“We encourage all farmers to complete the updated edition. An EFP provides farmers with the opportunity to assess their farm’s environmental impact using new tools that ultimately improve long-term productivity, profitability and sustainability,” says Melanie Hunter, field services manager for the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), which administers the program. “Even if a farmer has completed an EFP before, updating it ensures decisions are based on current operations and environmental conditions.”
Farmers have three options to complete an EFP using the new workbook. These include: attending an in-person, two-day workshop led by OSCIA staff with opportunities to network with fellow farmers; attending two virtual two-hour online interactive webinars; or completing an electronic EFP (eEFP) to renew a previously verified 4th edition EFP independently online. Tap here for more information.
