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New EFP program leaner
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ney, shift in
are proud to work
Cannan said, “We t
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with B.C. on this
been in place since 2004, in the
hat eligible farms must have
program because
same type of crop.
f
eds f
province and
investments in
environmental
improvements is now $5,000
The maximum for irrigation
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and the program will pay the
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first $500 for a consultant to
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ent-relate
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for farmers.”
ood business sense p
plan.
repare a certified irrigation
voluntary program
The EFP is a
aimed at identifying
waste management is now
The maximum for product and
$3,000 and it will no longer pay
By Judie Steeves
T
and reducing
here was a lag of several
environmental risk
Joe Sardinha
purchased after project approval
for material on hand. Only that
months, but this summer the
on farms.
Research and Development
by ARDcorp (B.C. Agricultural
governments announced a
federal and provincial
thousands of B.C. farmers made use
Prior to its completion in March,
Corporation) will be eligible.
continuation of the Environmental
of the previous EFP program, and
Farm Plan (EFP) program.
many were part of the way through
completion of plans, many of which
764-0376 or e-mail:
Spencer can be reached at 250-
president Joe Sardinha was frank in
B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association
can now be continued with the new
pspencer@uniserve.com and his area
commenting that it was a horrible
funding.
is north of Summerland, while Joe
Lariviere remains the advisor for
transition from the old program to
the new one.
in B.C., with 523 plans completed.
Last year 700 farmers participated Summerland and south. He can be
EFP adviser Pete Spencer notes
reached at 250-689-0498 or by
e-mail: joe.lariviere@vip.net
It was very poorly handled,” he said.
“We’ve been in limbo since March.
been funded at a lower level, and
In addition, the new program has
deer fencing or preventing wildlife
Liquid
damage is no longer a Beneficial
Management Practice (BMP) that
qualifies for funding under an EFP.
Fresh Fish Fertilizer
Fertilizer
farmers across the country over the
Up to $10 million is available to
After-harvest ground application of our product
next five years under the new
program, which was announced by
B.C. agriculture minister Steve
is highly recommended!
Thomson and Kelowna-Lake Country
MP Ron Cannan at the St. Hubertus
This completely natural,This completely natural, PACIFIC NATURAL BRAND
Estate Winery at the end of July.
organic fertilizerorganic fertilizer
Pacific Natural is a cold
the program has shifted to water and
Sardinha noted that the focus of • • is a naturalis a natural
processed, enzymatically
climate change issues, but it still
includes drip irrigation and other
biostimulantbiostimulant
hydrolyzed fresh fish fertilizer.
water conservation measures, a
• • does not leach into watertabledoes not leach into watertable
mulching mower, dealing with
• • provides time-release effect inprovides time-release effect in
manure issues and storage, as well as
pesticide storage and air quality.
soilsoil
• • can be used as a root feeder, soilcan be used as a root feeder, APPLICATION RATE:
Thomson noted, “Farmers are key
In making the announcement,
stewards of our land and can be
conditioner, foliar spray andsoil conditioner, foliar spray and
5-10 gallons of
leaders in reducing the risk of
composting agentcomposting agent
undiluted Pacific Natural per
acre
accidental harm to our soil, air, water
(diluted at least 10:1,
and biodiversity values.
3 times per year)
one of the main tools to effectively
“Environmental farm planning is
7963 Webster Road, Delta, BC V4G 1E4
accomplish this kind of protection of
T - (604) 952 4333 F - (604) 952 4334
our natural resources.”
W - www.greatpacificbio.com
British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Fall 2009
19
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