On July 14, 2025, the newest version—5th edition—Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) became available to Ontario producers. Subject matter experts from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and various organizations and farmers incorporated current regulations, the latest research and biodiversity subjects that support best management practices into the 5th edition. Species habitats, connectivity for species, woodlands and wetlands are also included. A new chapter relates to how farmers can adapt to farming in new weather patterns and what they will need. 

The EFP process is a confidential program. It is a no-cost, voluntary, self-assessment tool to identify your strengths as well as identify improvements that promote long-term sustainability, profitability and productivity in your farm business. Recommendations are to update your EFP every five years, even though it does not expire.

If you began an EFP workbook prior to July 14, and have not completed your workbook for review, you have until December 1, 2025, to do so. After December 1, 2025, it will not be valid and you will have to start again using the 5th edition.

Other organizations require a completed EFP. We recommend you contact those organizations for more information for their programs and requirements.

There are three ways to complete an EFP5:

• 1.) Register to attend an in-person, 2-day workshop led by knowledgeable OSCIA staff with opportunities to network with fellow farmers.
• 2.) Register for a Virtual EFP session that consists of two 2-hour online interactive webinars delivered by OSCIA staff.
• 3.) Electronic EFP (eEFP) renewal of a previously-reviewed 4th edition EFP, completed independently online.

Environmental Farm Plan and Biosecurity Workshops https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/workshops-and-events/

The Biosecurity workshops and webinars are a good place to start addressing your on-farm biosecurity program. These are commodity-specific opportunities and presented as a one-day, in-person workshop or as two 2-hour webinars. A technical expert will show you the benefits of having an on-farm biosecurity program, and help you to identify key practices to enhance biosecurity measures. A knowledgeable OSCIA staff member will bring you up-to-date on potential cost-share opportunities. Workshops or webinars are open to new and established producers. After attending, you may wish to follow up with your local expert to assist you in creating a dynamic and complete biosecurity plan for your farm. You must register to attend.

Programs

OSCIA delivers cost-share funding programs that support Ontario farmers in implementing best management and sustainability practices on their farms. These programs have helped to ensure the success of Ontario’s agricultural sector. Most programs require completion and review of the 4th or 5th edition EFP workbook. Check out the OSCIA website for programs that are accepting applications or opportunities that are coming: https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/cost-share-programs/

*Not all programs have the same criteria. Criteria may change from year to year. Read through the program’s cost share guide to see what best suits you and the management style for your farm.

The best way to stay up-to-date with information on program launches and intake announcements is to subscribe to the Programs Email List. You can also follow us on Twitter (@OntarioSoilCrop) or on Facebook (Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association). Don’t miss out!

Keep an eye on the On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) programs knowledge sharing calendar. The link is here: https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/knowledge-sharing-event-kse/?calendar=kse .Events are added frequently, so keep checking every week or so. Make sure you are going to an event specific to the category you have received your approval in and make sure you know your claim deadline. One in five applications that are approved will be chosen for a site verification. A field representative will reach out to set up the visit.

It is strongly recommended that all producers have an EFP workbook.

Any questions? Reach out. I hope to see you soon at one of our upcoming workshops, or at an event or trade show. Take care and have a safe and prosperous upcoming fall season! See you soon,

Lois Sinclair, Field Representative
lsinclair@ontariosoilcrop.org
519-955-3139
@lsinclair6 on X