Farmers taking action for the environment

Alberta Producers Developing Environmental Farm Plans

Delbert Edey is adopting environmentally sound agricultural farming practices on his High River, Alberta grain farm.

Edey has developed an environmental farm plan (EFP) for his operation. As a result, he has installed a backflow prevention valve on the water hydrant he uses to fill spray tanks, an addition that will help prevent contamination of the water supply. He is also looking at improving his fuel storage situation, and making an irrigation system more efficient.

These kinds of initiatives are just what Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada  (AAFC) and its provincial and industry partners are trying to encourage under the Environmental Farm Plan Program. The program is a national initiative under the Environment Chapter of the federal-provincial-territorial Agricultural Policy Framework designed to help Canadian producers develop a proactive approach to sustainable agricultural production.

"The EFP Program is helping position Canada as a world leader in environmentally responsible agricultural production," says Terry Dash with AAFC. "Environmental farm plans help ensure the production of safe, high-quality food, while helping to enhance and protect the quality of the province's soils, water, air, and biodiversity."

The Alberta Environmental Farm Planning Company (AEFP), an independent not-for-profit organization, delivers the Environmental Farm Plan Program in Alberta. At an initial workshop, AEFP facilitators introduce the program and provide a workbook to guide producers through an environmental assessment of their operations. At a second workshop, each producer begins preparation of a plan designed to address any environmental issues identified.

"I really enjoyed the process and found it very interesting," Edey says. "The workshop facilitator let each of us do our own thinking, and just raised issues and points to consider as we went along. It really makes you think about what you're doing on your own farm."

For example, Edey learned that his fuel supply is too close to the buildings, and needed a containment system in the event of a leak or spill. Now, he is looking into installing a containment bunker with proper electrical controls.

In partnership with a neighbour, Edey operates a diesel-driven pivot irrigation system on an 80-acre field. To reduce fuel consumption and to make more effective use of the water, they are investigating the possibility of re-fitting the boom with more efficient nozzles.

To date, more than 5,600 Alberta producers have participated in the program, with more than 2,500 EFPs deemed appropriate by peer review committees. The process is entirely voluntary and strictly confidential.

The voluntary and confidential nature of the process impressed Paula Robinson, who completed two EFPs for Bar None Ranches near Okotoks, one for each of the farm's separate operations.

"I was very comfortable with the nature of the process," says Robinson, accountant for the farm. "Overall, I learned more than I expected. It certainly helped to point out issues we should be addressing, and made us aware of environmental concerns.

"We will be building a storage facility that will house all of our pesticides rather than having them stored at several locations," says Robinson. "The building will have proper ventilation and the capability to contain spills. Safety for everyone is our main concern."

Drainage around wells at Bar None Ranches will be improved to prevent contaminants from entering water supplies and manure management practices will receive attention. Excluding livestock from streams and creeks on the properties will also be a priority.

Delbert Edey feels that every farmer could benefit from going through the environmental farm planning process.

"As farmers, we have to do everything in our power to ease our impact on the environment," he says. "I feel that the EFP Program is a positive step in that direction."

The program is funded through the Agricultural Policy Framework with in-kind support from Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. Support has also been provided by the Agriculture and Food Council, the Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Council, various ministries of the Government of Alberta, and from more than 100 municipalities, businesses, and agricultural organizations.

For more information on the EFP Program in Alberta, please contact the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company at (780) 436-2339, or toll-free at 1 866 844-2337, or visit the AEFP web site.