Environmental Farm Plan in Action: Trillium Farm’s Experience
The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program is a confidential, no-cost program that helps producers better understand the connections between their farm practices and the surrounding environment. Through an on-farm assessment and action plan, producers identify meaningful improvements in areas such as soil health, water stewardship, biodiversity, and climate resilience, while also positioning themselves to pursue further implementation support through Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) funding.
For Trillium Farm, the EFP process provided more than just insight; it sparked change on the farm. Through the on-farm assessment and development of an action plan the farm was able to pinpoint opportunities to strengthen areas such as soil health, water management, and overall resilience.
The guidance and collaboration with their EFP Advisor were pivotal, as owner Tyrol Russell explains:
“Completing an EFP was a turning point for our farm’s infrastructure. My Advisor was exceptional, patiently walking us through the program until we identified the best path forward. This collaboration directly led to securing funding for a new electric fence and a modernized irrigation system, upgrades that have significantly improved our operations.”
With a completed EFP in place, Trillium Farm was able to take the next step, accessing Beneficial Management Practices funding to turn planning into action. These investments not only improved day-to-day operations but also strengthened the farm’s environmental performance and long-term viability.
Funding for this program has been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. The program is delivered by IAF.
