Environmental Farm Plan Modernization Consultations

Client: OSCIA

Expertise Applied:

  • In-depth knowledge of Environmental Farm Plans and sustainability trends in the agricultural industry

  • Facilitating engagement with diverse representatives of the agricultural industry

  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis of workshop and interview findings, as well as a survey

  • Plain language writing

  • Developing recommendations based on sector insights

We worked with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) to identify opportunities to modernize the Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) through consultations with the sector. The goal of this modernization is to help ensure that the EFP continues to meet the needs of farm families and agri-food stakeholders while also protecting the environment.

The EFP has a 30-year history of helping farm families develop environmental actions plans and increase their environmental awareness. This program is run by OSCIA and funded by the governments of Canada and Ontario through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

Through these consultations, we:

  • Gathered ideas on the future of the EFP

  • Identified the sector’s evolving needs and priorities

  • Developed a vision for a modernized EFP with greater impact and value, and

  • Helped to created momentum for ongoing modernization efforts.

We consulted representatives from across the sector, including farmers, farm and commodity organizations, and the value chain. We had over 700 touchpoints with industry representatives. Our activities included:

  • A launch session with the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, where we used interactive tools and breakout groups to identify challenges and opportunities associated with the EFP

  • An industry survey, through which we gathered insights on how to build value, broaden the reach, and amplify the impact of the EFP

  • Two virtual workshops, where we explored key themes and opportunities

  • Interviews with 20 industry representatives, where we discussed opportunities to overcome challenges and barriers to participation in the program, as well as possibilities for the future

We analyzed and synthesized the findings from the engagement activities. Our final report presents five potential and voluntary pillars for the future of the EFP (see below). We also provide tangible recommendations to advance this work.

Read the full report here.

Potential pillars for the future of the Ontario EFP.

Is your organization interested in consulting with the agricultural industry or rural communities about ways to update and strengthen existing programs? Our team of professionals can help!