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Ontario Government launches enhanced online tool to renew Environmental Farm Plans

The governments of Canada and Ontario updated the process for farmers to renew their Environmental Farm Plans (EFPS).

Farmers in Ontario can now access an upgraded, electronic process to update their Environmental Farm Plans. The enhanced system will make it easier for many to continue using the tool, which guides Ontario farmers to voluntarily adopt more environmentally sustainable practices. The changes will provide a more user-friendly and resourceful online tool, in addition to offering a convenient option for farmers to update their Environmental Farm Plans without requiring them to travel to attend in-person workshops.

The improved electronic Environmental Farm Plan (eEFP) instrument was developed by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association with support from the federal and provincial governments through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership).

“Our government is pleased to help farmers stay current with their Environmental Farm Plans by allowing them to complete this important work on their own terms, without even having to leave the farm,” said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “We’re committed to finding ways to help our hardworking farmers avoid red tape, support their great environmental work and be better able to focus on growing their businesses.”

The Environmental Farm Plan, developed in partnership with Ontario farm organizations and farmers, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, has been the flagship of sustainability initiatives for Ontario farmers for more than 25 years. More than 45,000 farmers have participated in the Environmental Farm Plans process since its inception.