News release
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN PROGRAM A SUCCESS
ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, March 22, 2006 - The latest enrollment figures indicate the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program in Newfoundland and Labrador is well on its way to meeting its target of having all 650 farms in the province under an EFP. More than 300 producers are actively taking part in the program, attending information sessions and completing a scan of their farms, the first step in the EFP process.
"Canada is a leader in environmentally responsible food production," said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister of the Canadian Wheat Board Chuck Strahl. "By participating in the EFP program, producers help reinforce public confidence that Canadian food production is being managed in a sustainable manner."
"The EFP program helps farmers further improve the environmental management of their farms, which benefits everyone," said Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Natural Resources Ed Byrne. "I am delighted that so many Newfoundland and Labrador farmers are participating in this project. It shows our farmers are committed to operating their farms in an environmentally-responsible manner."
The EFP Program helps farm operators and landowners identify environmental benefits and risks associated with their operation. Producers walk through the process using a workbook prepared by agricultural and environmental specialists in Atlantic Canada. The workbook reflects local practices and conditions found in Newfoundland and Labrador. The majority of producers completing EFPs do so by attending regional workshops or through individual consultation with EFP staff. Taking actions that reduce those identified environmental risks is the next step. Producers who have completed the EFP program receive a farm gate sign recognizing their participation.
To date, 193 of the province's 650 farmers have EFPs completed. More than 28 workshops and over 300 environmental scans have been conducted across the province.
The EFP program is funded under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), a federal, provincial, territorial initiative designed to strengthen Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is working with its provincial and industry partners to develop programs and promote sound farm stewardship practices which contribute to a clean and healthy environment for all Canadians. For more information on AAFC's environment programs and services, please visit www.agr.ca.
For more information on:
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For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
(613) 759-7972
1-866-345-7972
Ed Moriarity
Communications
Department of Natural Resources
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 729-5777
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