2. Provincial Program Priorities: Agriculture sustainability should promote a profitable and competitive agricultural sector, while reducing the impact of agricultural activities on the environment. Benefits include the potential for farms to reduce the risk of nutrient loss to water, mitigate and adapt to climate change; and increase the level of carbon stored in the soil. Adoption of on farm strategies that improve environmental stewardship can assist in mitigating potential nuisance complaints and enhance public trust of their operations.
Environmental Farm Action Program Manitoba
Today, many Manitoba farmers use this new online platform to fill out their EFP workbooks, which are then evaluated by KAP. Farmers receiving a Statement of Completion are eligible to receive financial assistance to execute their action plans.
Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. The EFP process guides producers through various aspects of their operation to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks. An action plan is then created to address high-risk areas.
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.
Implementing an EFP will mean producers are able to 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, Johnson noted.
A completed EFP is required for farms participating in most agri-environmental cost-shared programming, which directly supports initiatives of the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan by enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Johnson noted that by implementing an EFP, producers are able to 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.
First announced in Budget 2021, the $200-million On-Farm Climate Action Fund is an initiative to help farmers tackle climate change. The Fund is part of the Government of Canada's Agricultural Climate Solutions initiative, which falls under the $4 billion Natural Climate Solutions Fund, a program managed by Natural Resources Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Fiona brings over 20 years of experience working in the agriculture/environment field. She has developed and delivered numerous programs to Alberta farmers and ranchers including the first Ag Policy Framework beneficial management program and the Environment Farm Plan. She brings a broad range of experience working within government, the private sector and non-profit organizations including crop insurance, lending, and environment policy work (e.g. AB Water Council) as well as work on the ecosystems service framework. She was the first in Canada to get a license to grow hemp. She is a first-generation owner/operator of a black angus cow calf operation for the last 25 years. Fiona has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Alberta.
Lori has over 25 years of administrative experience working in various roles in the natural gas utilities industry. She holds a Legal Assistant Diploma from the Career College in Calgary. Lori is an active member of the Association of Administrative Professionals, Edmonton Chapter. In the past, Lori participated in an international agricultural exchange program to New Zealand where she learned about agriculture practices down under on a dairy farm. She lives north of Edmonton in an agricultural community and cares deeply about the future of farming in Alberta.
Dairy farmers have always been regarded as stewards of our natural resources, because effective environmental practices contribute to the continued, long-term success of their farms. Careful management of soil, water, pastures, wetlands and woodlands on farms will help ensure that future generations will be able to farm successfully.
Karen Ross is the director of Farmers for Climate Solutions (FCS), a national alliance of over 20,000 farmers advancing climate solutions in Canadian agriculture. Karen has a PhD from Western University and comes to FCS with experience leading a national program advancing policies and communications on soil, greenhouse gases and agriculture at a Quebec-based NGO, and as a policy advocate and researcher on sustainable food systems in Canada and abroad. Karen manages a vegetable, fruit and flower farm in the Laurentians with her partner, selling their produce directly to daycares and farmers markets.
A program that provides technical and financial assistance to farms with the goal of restoring declining waterfowl populations and their habitats. Includes assistance to convert cultivated land to More...
A tax incentive program designed to encourage farm operations to upgrade their management of river and stream banks and recognize those who have already done so. The tax benefit is available to More...
The Alberta Environmental Farm Plan program is a voluntary program that helps identify environmental risks on operations and develops a practical plan to reduce those risks. This site provides More...
EcoAction is an Environment Canada funding program that helps groups carry out action-oriented projects that protect or improve the environment in their community. EcoAction projects must benefit the More...
The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is a voluntary environmental awareness program delivered by the Farm Community. It helps farmers recognize sensible and practical management techniques through a More...
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.
"The fight against climate change is not only about reducing Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, but also helping farmers to innovate and adopt more sustainable farming practices. In Manitoba, we have partnered with two sector organizations to deliver funds directly to local farmers who are ready to take action and build climate resilience. We are also investing directly in 10 new clean technology adoption projects to make local farming practices more sustainable. Together, we will continue to do what is necessary to protect our environment and provide farmers with the support needed to make their operations more sustainable for future generations."- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Manitoba Association of Watersheds is thrilled to have the opportunity to support farmers throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan as they implement and expand use of beneficial management practices that are known to have positive effects on water and soil health, and climate resiliency. We welcome the opportunity to support our farmers by providing incentive based programs alongside training, development and mentorship opportunities to help ensure successful, long-term adaptation of these practices."- Garry Wasylowski, Board Chair, Manitoba Association of Watersheds
Producer applications are open for the On-farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF), a program that will offset a large portion of costs as farmers try a new management practice such as rotational grazing, cover cropping or nitrogen management. 2ff7e9595c
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