Alberta farmers and ranchers reached a new milestone in 2025 by completing 1,121 Environmental Farm Plans, the highest number of participants in the history of the program. This achievement marks five consecutive years of growth, with more than one-third of all agricultural land in Alberta now managed under a current, approved environmental plan.
The voluntary program, which is free and conducted online, allows producers to identify environmental risks and create practical strategies to protect local soil, water, and biodiversity. The initiative is administered by the Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta and receives funding from the federal and provincial governments through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
For producers in Rocky View County, participating in the program can lead to tangible benefits, including help in meeting regulatory and market requirements. Completing a plan also opens doors to cost-share funding for on-farm improvements. The Rocky View County Agricultural Services department offers support to residents navigating the application process and manages the local Agri-Environmental Incentive Program, which helps offset costs for environmentally friendly farm projects.
Program officials emphasize that the process is confidential, ensuring that farm data remains private and under the control of the producer. A dairy farmer from Lethbridge County who recently completed the process noted that the plan served as a practical tool that provided new perspectives on their farming operation. With its focus on sustainability, the program continues to grow as farmers look for ways to demonstrate their long-term stewardship of the land.
