Ducks Unlimited Canada supports National EFP Summit this November

As the only ENGO currently sitting on the National Environmental Farm Plan (NEFP) steering committee, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) reinforces the fact that agriculture and the environment can be pragmatic partners on the Canadian landscape. As a proud supporter, DUC invites all agri-food stakeholders from across the value chain to attend the second annual NEFP Summit in Ottawa November 1 and 2. Building on unprecedented support from last year’s summit, attendees will further develop a national standard designed to connect environmentally sustainable practices at the farm level with global food buyers’ growing need to source sustainable ingredients.

The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is a voluntary, whole-farm, self-assessment tool that helps farmers and ranchers identify and build on environmental strengths, as well as mitigate risks on their operations. The NEFP is not a replacement program, but rather a harmonization effort across the existing EFP programs nationwide. Through a producer-driven national standard, the NEFP will ensure consistency for buyers, regardless of where in Canada they source their products.

The 2017 National EFP Summit will bring stakeholders together once again to learn about the NEFP steering committee’s progress and participate in valuable conversations that will further guide the national harmonization effort.

“Ducks Unlimited Canada is a leader in conservation agriculture and with almost 80 years of experience working alongside our country’s landowners and farmers we are encouraged to see the focus of operating sustainably continue to grow through the NEFP,” says Paul Thoroughgood, DUC regional agrologist and member on the NEFP verification committee. “The agricultural industry is constantly changing and evolving and a national approach to the EFP will help Canada’s farmers meet the needs of the future while safeguarding the ecological and environmental values their farms produce for all Canadians.”

The NEFP is well underway with work being led by a steering committee made up of stakeholders representing the entire agri-food value chain. Four sub committees are working toward developing a national protocol as it relates to data collection, standards and verification, all of which will be supported through comprehensive communications and stakeholder outreach. National EFP Summit attendees will hear from each committee, along with subject matter experts, about the progress to-date. These updates will serve to start a dialogue amongst attendees that will further guide this national standard.

Stakeholders can learn more about the NEFP and register for the 2017 National EFP Summit by visiting www.nationalefp.ca. The NEFP always welcomes new stakeholders to become involved in shaping this made-in-Canada solution. Interested organizations should contact co-chairs Drew Black or Paul Watson.  Visit www.nationalefp.ca to view stakeholders currently involved.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Learn more at www.ducks.ca.