Alberta EFP is responsible for the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program across the province. We work with Alberta producers and the industry groups that represent them to create awareness of the designation and its benefits, and to encourage producers to complete an EFP workbook.

 Our work includes:

• Creating awareness and interest through a variety of marketing communications initiatives
• Providing information about the program to a wide variety of audiences
• Developing and updating materials such as the EFP workbook, website and how-to videos
• Linking new registrants with one of our 40+ EFP technicians across the province for individual coaching and advice
• Encouraging agricultural education programs to include EFP education and experience in their curriculum
• Creating and strengthening partnerships with the ag industry and all three orders of government
• Working with the ag industry and our EFP counterparts across Canada to develop national standards that will meet or surpass international standards
• Maintaining high integrity privacy and data management standards - see our Privacy Policy
• Alberta EFP’s work is guided by a Stakeholder Advisory Committee, delivered by regional ag reps, and supported by municipal, provincial and federal government.

VISION

Alberta EFP is preparing for a future where the majority of commodities are sustainably sourced. Consumers and the agri-food industry are demanding proof that agricultural products are safe and healthy, and grown with minimal impact on the environment. We will achieve that by working with industry, sustainable sourcing initiatives, and other EFP programs to create national standards, reduce overlap and to streamline the EFP as much possible, while retaining its integrity.

PROGRAM MISSION

Alberta EFP strives to develop and deliver an EFP program that meets or surpasses international standards. Our goal is to help Alberta agricultural producers demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship by completing an EFP. We will achieve this by sharing information, collaborating with industry, and providing services of the highest quality and consistency delivered by committed and trained technicians.

The Environmental Farm Plan program was started by the Government of Alberta in 2003. For the first six years of its operation, it was contracted out to the Environmental Farm Plan Company. In 2009, EFP was returned to the provincial government. Since 2013, ARECA has run the program and is still currently operating it.

To date, Alberta EFP has had inquiries from 14,000 Alberta producers of whom ≈ 9,000 have completed an EFP. This represents 24% of registered Alberta farms.  Since 2009, just under two million acres of agricultural land has been added to coverage under EFPs.

AEFP works with agricultural industry associations to encourage their members to complete an EFP. In 2014, the Potato Growers of Alberta became the first ag industry group to make an EFP a requirement for membership. Alberta EFP also worked with the Egg Producers of Alberta to adapt the EFP into a new assessment tool called PEEP. In 2021, Dairy Farmers of Canada stipulated that under the Environment module of
proAction®, each farm is required to have an EFP. Having an EFP is also recommended in Verified Beef+.

Many of the post-secondary agricultural education programs have an EFP component. In 2015, Lakeland College became the first post-secondary to actually complete an EFP, using their student-managed farm for the assessment.

One of the ways we support producers through the program is with local, knowledgeable assistance by one of our trained EFP Technicians. These Technicians are imperative for the success of the EFP program. In the last 5 years, Alberta EFP has maintained a network of 40+ technicians.

EFP Technicians are direct lines of support for producers completing the EFP program. Upon completion, the assigned technician reviews the completed workbook to provide resources, insights and feedback. The EFP Technician can provide as much or as little assistance as required by the producer while they complete their workbook. They may offer one-on-one support or they may offer group support in a workshop setting. To find a workshop near you, check out our events calendar.

 WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

Our technicians typically are employed by municipalities or research or forage associations throughout the province. We ensure that each producer who registers for an account will get an assigned technician based off their municipality. Without these great EFP technicians assisting producers in their areas of the province it would be significantly more difficult to have the reach and impact that we do. We rely on the efforts and dedication of these trained EFP technicians to support producers through the workbook, review and provide feedback on their action plans, and promote uptake of the program within their region.

Consumers & Sustainability

You care about the food you and your loved ones eat. You care about keeping the environment safe by preserving the quality of soil, water and air. Believe it or not, these are all things that producers and purchasing companies care about as well, because at the end of the day they are consumers too. As a result, big purchasing companies, such as McCain’s and McDonald’s, are beginning to require sustainability sourced products from their producers.

An EFP allows producers to evaluate their current farming practices, identify risks, and create an action plan to mitigate those risks. By implementing the changes highlighted in their action plans, they reduce risk and safeguard the integrity of livestock and crop products raised on their farms.

The Alberta EFP program began in 2003 and has been operated by the Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA) since 2013. Delivery of the program comes from over 50 trained technicians across the province who provide guidance and advice to producers at all stages of the process. Producers who complete an EFP receive a letter of completion, a certificate and a gate sign. Farmers understand that completing an EFP is one way of demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Since the program began, 13,000 farmers have registered in the EFP program (24% of Alberta farms) and more than 8,000 of them have completed an EFP. Many of the larger operations have EFPs, resulting in the environmental assessment of nearly two million acres of Alberta farm land since 2009 alone. In Canada, it is estimated that 35% of farmers, covering 50% of the agricultural land, have completed an EFP. Producers who have completed an EFP recognize that it is good for the land, their livestock and crops, and for consumers. It also expands their markets since many purchasers are now requiring sustainably sourced products. Producers enrolled in an EFP have found that meeting sustainable sourcing requirements is easier when they have completed the EFP process.

Sustainable Sourcing

Many major corporations that buy agricultural products are moving toward only purchasing products that are sustainably sourced. EFP is working to meet the sustainable agricultural standards set out by these companies and the global standard.

Food giant Unilever—the third largest consumer goods company in the world—has committed to sourcing 100% of their agricultural materials from sustainable operations. They are also working in partnership with other large multinationals to convince other companies to follow suit. McDonald’s is one of many large restaurant chains also working on standards for sustainably sourced products.In Canada, food giant McCain’s will only purchase from farms that have gone through an EFP assessment. In response, the Potato Growers of Alberta now require the completion of an EFP for membership. Many other provincial and national agricultural industry groups are working on similar initiatives such as Verified Beef Production, CanadaGap, and the proAction initiative.

Read about how Alberta EFP is linked to global sustainability standards.

Read More

What You Can Do

As a consumer of food products, you can try and find out if the food you are eating is sustainably sourced. Keep yourself informed as to which companies offer food products that are sustainably sourced. Ask for sustainably sourced products at your local grocery store, farmers market or restaurant. If you are buying local products, inquire whether they are from farms with an EFP. You may get some funny looks at first, but over time, consumer demand always dictates the markets. For most of us, eating safe, healthy food is a priority.

About EFP

Take a look at our EFP introductory video  to hear straight from producers about their commitment to sustainable agriculture and how EFP helps them with that, or click here to read one Alberta producer’s take on EFP. And as Chef Chris Whittaker explains in one of British Columbia’s EFP videos, having an EFP benefits more than just the producer.

 Facts About Farming
98% of Canadian farms are family-owned
Total land area in Alberta is 157,710,720 acres
Total area of farmed land in Alberta is 50,498,834 acres
Alberta is the largest beef producing province
Alberta has the 2nd most farm land of all provinces
Alberta has the 2nd most producers of all provinces 

Privacy Policy

Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) : Website and Webbook Privacy Policy
Created/Last Revised: August 12, 2021

This Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Privacy and Security Policy (“Privacy Policy”) below are applicable to this website produced and maintained by Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP).  Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) has established this Privacy Policy to let you know the kinds of personal information we may gather during your visit to the Website and Webbook (www.AlbertaEFP.com and www.webbook.albertaefp.com) (the “site(s)”), why we gather your information, what we use your personal information for, when we might disclose your personal information, and how you can manage your personal information.

The Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA) and Alberta EFP have a mandate and commitment to protect users’ personal information and data.

Please be advised that the practices described in this Privacy Policy apply only to information gathered through the website. This Privacy Policy does not necessarily reflect our practices with respect to information gathered through other off-line means.

BY VISITING THE SITES, YOU ARE ACCEPTING, WITHOUT MODIFICATION, THIS PRIVACY POLICY. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ANY PORTION OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY, THEN EXIT THE SITE IMMEDIATELY AND DO NOT RETURN. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE, MODIFY, ADD, OR DELETE THE TERMS OF OUR PRIVACY POLICY FROM TIME TO TIME WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE. YOUR CONTINUED USE OF THE SITE FOLLOWING THE POSTING OF CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY MEAN YOU AGREE TO THE NEW TERMS.

If we make material changes to this Privacy Policy, we will post the changes to this Privacy Policy on this page and will indicate at the top of this page the date these terms were last revised. If we intend to apply the modifications or amendments to this Privacy Policy retroactively, we will provide you with notice of the modifications and amendments.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or don’t see your concerns addressed here, you should contact us.

1.    GENERALLY, WHAT INFORMATION ABOUT ME IS COLLECTED AND STORED?
The information we collect, and store depends almost entirely on how you choose to make use of the site and its related features and services.  Information collected and stored includes contact information and information about your operation, such as soil and site characteristics and management practices.

2.    PERSONAL INFORMATION
Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) collects and stores information that you enter into the site. On the Webbook, you can enter contents about your operation, and subscribe to one of the services such as the online newsletter.

For example: When you register or login to your personal Webbook account, Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) collects, and stores some or all the following information that you provide: Name, physical address, email address, and telephone number. This information is used to help you assess and mitigate environmental risk on your farm or ranch.

The types of personal identifiable information that may be collected about other people at these site pages include Recipient’s name, address, e-mail address, telephone number and how you would like to do your EFP (workbook). This is only when one chooses to register or use the ‘contact us’ feature.

3.    ANONYMOUS INFORMATION
Through your use of the site, Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) may also gather certain information that does not identify you individually (“Anonymous Information”). Generally, this information is collected through “traffic data”. Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) collects and stores certain other information automatically whenever you interact with the site. For example: IP address, browser information and reference site domain name every time you visit the site. Information is also collected on user-traffic patterns and site usage. This information is used to analyze and improve the site and to provide users with a fulfilling experience.

4.    COOKIES AND SPYWARE
Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) never uses or installs spyware on your computer, nor does Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) use spyware to retrieve information from your computer. Like many websites, Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) uses “cookies”, which are files stored on your computer’s hard drive by your browser. Cookies help us to identify account holders and to optimize their user experience. Most browsers accept cookies automatically but allow you to disable them. We recommend that you leave cookies “turned on” so that we can offer you a better user experience on the site. You may occasionally get Cookies from companies advertising on Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP)’s behalf. We do not control these Cookies, and these Cookies are not subject to this Privacy Policy.

5.    REGULAR CORRESPONDENCE
After you register, we may use the email address and Postal Codes of all users who subscribe to any of our newsletters or other regular correspondence. Except to our third-party agents (as described below), this information is not shared with any third parties. Anyone who no longer wishes to receive this newsletter or other regular correspondence can, at any time, follow the “Unsubscribe” instructions located within each newsletter.

6.    KIDS AND PRIVACY
Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) does not permit anyone who we know to be under the age of 13, nor does Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) collect any personal information from anyone who Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) knows to be under the age of 13. If you are under the age of 13, you should use the site only under the immediate supervision of a parent or guardian and should not submit any personal information to Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP).

7.    HOW DOES EFP USE YOUR INFORMATION?
Except as disclosed in this Privacy Policy, Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) does not use or disclose information about your individual visits to the site or your personal information collected online to any companies not affiliated with us. If Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) proposes to permit any use of your personal information, you will be provided an opportunity to decline such contact.

7.1 Personal Information
Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) may use your personal information to provide services (i.e.: technician assistance with your EFP) available through the site, track your compliance with the site’s rules and regulations, or for editorial and feedback purposes (to the extent that is explained when you provide the information).  If Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) plans to publicly post any of your personal information on the site, you will be provided prior notification of such posting and given the option to accept or decline.

7.2 Use of Anonymous Information
Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) may use Anonymous Information to help us determine how people use parts of the site and who are users are so we can improve the Website and ensure that it is as appealing as we can make it for as many people as possible. Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) may use Anonymous Information to provide statistical “ratings” information in aggregated form to our partners and other third parties about how site users collectively use the website. We may also use or share Anonymous Information (or other information, other than Personal Information) in any other manner that is deemed appropriate or necessary.

 7.3 Third-Party Agents
Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) may occasionally have third-party agents, subsidiaries, affiliates and partners that perform functions on our behalf, such as marketing, analytics, providing customer service, fraud protection, etc. These carefully selected entities have access to the personal information needed to perform their functions and will be contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality and security of that Personal Information. They are restricted from using, selling, distributing or altering this data in any way other than to provide the requested services to the site.

 7.4 Emergency Situations
Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) may also use or disclose personal information required to do so by law or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary to: (a) conform to applicable law or comply with legal process served on us or the site, (b) act under emergency circumstances to protect the personal safety of us, our affiliates, agents, or the users of the site or the public.

8.    WHAT STEPS ARE TAKEN TO KEEP PERSONAL INFORMATION SECURE?
Personal information collected by the site is stored in secure operating environments that are not available to the public. In many instances, the personal information is encrypted and stored in Canada. Only those employees who need access to your personal information to do their jobs are allowed access. Any employee who violates our privacy and/or security policies is subject to disciplinary action, including possible termination and civil and/or criminal prosecution.

To protect the security of your information during transmission, we use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) software, which encrypts information you input. Most browsers will give a visual indication of when your connection is secure.  (i.e.: Internet Explorer will show a padlock icon in the lower right of the browser window. If you create or log in to Webbook, you will be asked to set up an account and provide an email address and password. You must provide an appropriate email address and password in order to access account information. In order to protect your personal information further, you should be careful to protect your password from all others. If you wish to cancel your password, or if you become aware of a loss, theft or unauthorized use of your password, please contact the Privacy Officer.

While Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) tries their best to safeguard your personal information once we receive it, you understand and agree that no transmission of data over the internet or any other public network can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.

9.    LINKING TO OTHER SITES
The Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP), at this time, does contain links to other websites not operated by Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). The practices described in this Privacy Policy do not necessarily apply to information gathered through these other websites. These other sites may also send their own cookies to you, collect your data or solicit your personal information. Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is not responsible for the actions and privacy policies of third parties and other websites. Be aware of when you leave the site and read the privacy policy of each website you visit.

10. PUBLIC AREAS
Please know and remember that information you share in public areas, such as message boards or feedback sections, becomes public, and therefore this Privacy Policy does not apply to any information you choose to make public. Use common sense about what you disclose and do not post any personal information that you expect to keep private.

11. GOVERNING LAW
The Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) site is published in Canada and is intended for users from Canada. This policy shall be governed and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta with the Country of Canada.

12. YOUR ALBERTA ACCESS & PRIVACY RIGHTS
Alberta’s Access and Privacy Legislation, Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) applies to Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). For more information click here.

13. HOW TO ACCESS AND/OR CORRECT PERSONAL INFORMATION
If you wish to verify, correct, or update any of your personal information, you may contact us using the contact information provided in the Contact Us section (Navigation Bar). Or you can log in to your webbook account and make the changes under account settings and/or in your webbook.

14. CHANGES TO PRIVACY POLICY
From time to time, we review our policies and procedures. Be sure to check back regularly for updates to the Privacy Policy.

15. WHEN YOU COMPLETE THE EFP ONLINE WORKBOOK
The Personal Identifiable Information collected in the EFP workbook consists of questions under the Personal Information section that allows us to contact you and to assign you a technician. In addition, we collect the risk ratings (answers) to questions related to the risks of your agriculture operation. The risk ratings may be aggregated at a non-identifiable level for reporting purposes.

Security as it relates to the Workbook is considerable. We take commercially reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity and security of your Personal Information. These include, but are not limited to:

The online EFP tool and workbook data are stored on a Virtual Private Server in Canada managed by local IT Professionals and are contracted by AlbertaEFP.com.
Regular malware scanning (office and technicians)
SSL Certification
Regular hard data backups
Staff use password managers to ensure passwords are secure
User Password-Protected Online Workbook
16. CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
If you have any questions or concerns about the online privacy statement for this site or its implementation, you may contact the Privacy Officer.

Contact us            

[email protected]
[email protected]

Phone: 587-200-2552

Box 88092
Rabbit Hill Post Office
Edmonton, AB
T5T-2E3                                 

Terms and Conditions
Using this website, users accept the terms and conditions of this Privacy Policy. Any changes that are made to this policy will be posted to the “Privacy” page[1].

Need Help Creating Your Own Website’s Privacy Policy?

Contact Rustruct Consulting: [email protected]

Visit our website for more information

Disclaimer: ARECA makes all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained on the Sites is accurate at the time of their creation and/or modification. However, ARECA cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of information contained on the website or webbook or other means of electronic delivery, and shall not be responsible for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies and accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage whatsoever arising. Areca reserves the right to make changes to or take down the website or remove or alter any content at any time without notice.

Renewal Policy

Effective April 1, 2018, producers will need to have an EFP completion letter dated within the last 10 years, before payment will be issued, to be considered current and eligible for cost-share funding for some programs under the Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP).

 If your completion letter is older than 10 years, you will need to do a new workbook and action plan.

Tip: Your technician is there to support you through each step of an EFP. You can complete the WorkBook online on your own; however, a technician can save you time by walking you through the process and is happy to help!

Learn more about how easy the renewal process can be.

Complaints Policy

Right to complain

Every client has the right to make a complaint. The Applied Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA) offers mechanisms for producers to complain.
Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
The confidentiality and privacy of clients will be respected under PIPA Legislation.
All formal complaints will be responded to within a timely manner.
ARECA will work actively to resolve complaints.

Complaint Procedures

A concern/complaint may be made in written format.  Should you require assistance completing the complaint, please contact the EFP Director at [email protected]. Various mechanisms exist.
The client has a right to complain or express a concern about the services s/he has received from the AEFP Program, including complaints regarding breach of privacy.
The concern/complaint can be about a technician or a staff member.
Whether or not the complainant wants to pursue the matter any further, they should be informed the issue will be brought to the attention of the EFP Director.
Any complaints made in person or by telephone will be deemed as a client concern/informal complaint. 
The responsibility for handling any concerns/complaints about technicians, staff, or contractor issues rests with the EFP Director.
Complaints regarding the EFP Director can be directed to the ARECA Executive Director at [email protected]. 
An acknowledgement of receipt of a formal complaint will be forwarded to the complainant within three (3) business days. A plan to resolve any such complaints will be forwarded to the complainant within thirty (30) business days of the initial complaint.
Informal phone/in-person complaints the staff receiving the concern/complaint discusses with the complainant to determine what their issue is and what they would like to do about it (ie: submit a formal complaint).
Within the EFP WorkBook:Clients can use the secure chat function to communicate issues to technicians.
Clients can use the ’Rate This Question’ functionality to let us know if questions cause difficulty. 
Use of the ’Rate This Question’ functionality will not guarantee a response, but does flag it for staff to examine and review questions.

Governance of the AEFP WebBook

Summary of Ongoing development of the Alberta EFP WebBook

ARECA is committed to ensuring the EFP-Plus standard:

Maximizes benefits to industries and industry associations choosing to use it.  
Remains both as simple to use as is possible and retains the core purpose of the Environmental Farm Plan Program; education and awareness.
Ongoing development of the standard will be undertaken under the following principles:

Industry engagement

ARECA will continue to engage industry in EFP development through the following mechanisms:

Continued reliance on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee as representatives of the end users (producers).
Outreach and communication to industries wishing to use it to make claims.

Use of experts and laypersons for development

ARECA is committed to making scientific integrity fundamental to future development.  As such experts will ensure we have the best.
In keeping with our commitment to education and awareness, lay people (generally producers and EFP Technicians) will be invited to participate in beta-testing new developments.

Policy for the management of the standard

The mechanisms of actual management of the standard are covered in Appendix 1.  

The EFP-Plus Standard will be managed under the same principles that guide its development.

ARECA is committed to ensuring the EFP-Plus standard:

Maximizes benefits to industries and industry associations choosing to use it.  
Remains both as simple to use as is possible and retains the core purpose of the Environmental Farm Plan Program; education and awareness.
For more detailed information on this policy download Governance_of_the_AEFP_WebBook.

Working with Students

From working with post secondary institutions to grade school presentations, EFP is involved in promoting a sustainable tomorrow. EFP is working to support students by providing presentations, and supporting environmental stewardship education by providing sample EFPs to students to understand real world applications. Involving students in the EFP process helps to solidify environmental stewardship on the farm for generations to come. 

Future of Agriculture

Students from all ages and backgrounds can benefit in agricultural education and programs. Being involved in sustainable farming practices has a net positive effect on society and the future of agriculture. The Environmental Farm Plan is working to meet the demands of sustainable sourcing and aims to support producers’ commitment to sustainable agriculture. While there are currently many benefits to completing an EFP, education is arguably the best result, on top of greater profits, reduced operating costs, increased access to government funding, access to national and international markets and most importantly environmental benefits. Having students involved in the program and process will help foster innovation in agriculture and a future in sustainability, and more and more major purchasers are beginning to demand products from sustainable sources and environmentally conscious farms.

Classroom Agriculture Program

The Classroom Agriculture Program (CAP) is a well-established program delivering agricultural education across Alberta. EFP staff participate in the program by providing CAP presentations to interested classrooms! These presentations aim to deliver a better understanding of the supply chain, where food comes from and the food we eat to elementary students. Students gain an understanding and appreciation for agriculture and what it takes to put food on the table. 

Sign up for a CAP Presentation

Current partnerships

The EFP Program is currently partnered with a class from Lethbridge Polytechnic! Students work through the EFP as a part of their class to approach sustainable sourcing and promote environmentally friendly practices on the farm. 

Olds College invites EFP Staff for a guest lecture every year! It is a great way to introduce sustainability and the opportunities to encourage stewardship on the farm.

The Lakeland Student Managed Farm also partners with the program by updating the farm’s EFP annually as an exercise in sustainable practice and stewardship!

Contact us to Partner

Agricultural Programs in Alberta

Explore the prospect of completing an EFP for a student farm

We are always interested in additional post secondary opportunities!

Contact Us