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Canada’s Environmental Farm Plan: Evaluating Implementation, Use of Services, and the Influence of Social Factors

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Listed:
  • Smith, Paul
  • Bibik, Carrie
  • Lazarus, Jon
  • Armitage, David
  • Bradley-Macmillan, Cindy
  • Kingston, Maxine
  • Graham, Andrew
  • Plummer, Ryan
  • Summers, Robert

Abstract

Canada’s Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is a voluntary, self-administered education and risk assessment tool that assists farmers in developing customized action plans to address environmental risks on their farms. During 2010-11 a study was undertaken in Ontario to evaluate the level of implementation of the EFP, the use of related services and resources, and social factors influencing implementation and services used. A confidential survey of 189 Ontario farmers with EFPs revealed high levels of implementation and significant investments of time and money to reduce environmental risks and improve environmental conditions. Farmers completed or were implementing 67.5% (median) of their action plans, up from 55% reported in a survey in 1999. Farmers invested an average of C$69,600 per farm in agri-environmental activities (of which 73% was drawn from their own funds) and spent 130 hours of their time per farm. Percent implemented, time and cost are all much higher compared to the survey in 1999. Farmers used many existing services in preparing and implementing their EFPs. In 2010, social factors significantly influenced motivation, preferences and service needs including education, age and main commodity produced. Also in 2010, 95% percent of farmers reported perceived environmental improvements on their farm operations. The results emphasize the importance of combining risk assessment, education and financial incentives as well as offering a range of program services to appeal to the varied needs of different farmers.

Suggested Citation

  • Smith, Paul & Bibik, Carrie & Lazarus, Jon & Armitage, David & Bradley-Macmillan, Cindy & Kingston, Maxine & Graham, Andrew & Plummer, Ryan & Summers, Robert, 2020. "Canada’s Environmental Farm Plan: Evaluating Implementation, Use of Services, and the Influence of Social Factors," Sustainable Agriculture Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 9(4).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ccsesa:309788
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.309788
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Caroline Roussy & Aude Ridier & Karim Chaib, 2017. "Farmers' innovation adoption behaviour: role of perceptions and preferences," International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 13(2), pages 138-161.
    2. Alfons Weersink, 2018. "The Growing Heterogeneity in the Farm Sector and Its Implications," Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d'agroeconomie, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society/Societe canadienne d'agroeconomie, vol. 66(1), pages 27-41, March.
    3. François J Dessart & Jesús Barreiro-Hurlé & René van Bavel, 2019. "Behavioural factors affecting the adoption of sustainable farming practices: a policy-oriented review," European Review of Agricultural Economics, Oxford University Press and the European Agricultural and Applied Economics Publications Foundation, vol. 46(3), pages 417-471.
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