For Frisken Creek Ranch, sustainability is an important part of planning for the future. By participating in the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program, the farm gained a practical framework to assess its operation, identify environmental risks and opportunities, and prioritize actions that support long-term resilience.

The EFP program is a confidential, no-cost process delivered by IAF that helps producers better understand the connections between their farm practices and the surrounding environment. Through an on-farm assessment and action planning process, producers can 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 funding.

Involvement in the EFP program helped turn sustainability goals into a clearer path forward. As owner Kevin Peter shared, “Our Environmental Farm Plan has been foundational to mapping out the future of our farm operations. The process of developing the plan brought to light both opportunities and risks that we otherwise may not have considered. Our EFP advisor was extremely helpful in guiding us through both our EFP renewal and the BMP application process. His enthusiasm, attention to detail, extensive knowledge, and experience have been invaluable.”

With an EFP in place, Frisken Creek Ranch is now better positioned to pursue support through the Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) program. BMP offers cost-share funding to help BC producers implement eligible on-farm projects that address risks identified through their EFP, turning planning into action that can strengthen environmental stewardship, resilience, and long-term farm viability.

Funding for the Environmental Farm Plan 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.