BRM Programs & the Environmental Farm Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
By ABC Staff
BRM Programs & the Environmental Farm Plan
We have received a number of questions from beekeepers lately around BRM programs, eligibility, and Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) requirements, so we have put together the below information to help provide answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: I am a beekeeper and want to apply for AgriStability in 2023, do I have to have an Environmental Farm Plan in place to be eligible?
A: No, while there may be benefits to having a plan for your apiary, the Environmental Farm Plan is voluntary self-assessment. There is no requirement to have an EFP to participate in AgriStability.
Q: What is the deadline to apply for AgriStability in 2023?
A: April 30 is the enrolment deadline for 2023 program. For information on enrolment, please see https://afsc.ca/income-stabilization/agristability/ or contact your preferred branch office.
Q: Are there AgriStability forms that are specifically tailored to beekeeping?
A: Yes, a supplementary form for beekeepers is available on the AFSC website. It can be downloaded here: https://afsc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2022-AgriStability-Supplementary-Forms-Bees.pdf
Q: Do any other AFSC BRM products require an EFP to be eligible to apply?
A: Starting in 2025, producers who wish to participate in AgriInvest who have allowable net sales (ANS) over $1 million will need to have an EFP or equivalent environmental assessment. Work is still ongoing to determine which environmental assessments will be eligible. This change is being implemented as part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Q: If I want to apply for AgriInvest in 2023, do I need an EFP to be eligible?
A: No, the EFP requirement comes into effect in 2025.
Q: If I want to apply for AgriInvest in the coming years, what should I be considering this year to prepare my beekeeping operation to be eligible in 2025?
A: If your operation has three-year average allowable net sales over $1 million, you will need to prepare an EFP to remain eligible for AgriInvest in 2025. Some resources which may help you include:
Q: Are there any other new programs for the beekeeping industry that I should be aware of?
A: Yes, Bear Predation to hives will be covered in the Wildlife Damage Compensatoin Program (WDCP) starting this year. Click here to learn more about coverage for bear predation
Q: Who can I contact at AFSC for more information?
A: For more information, please refer to AFSC.ca or use Live Chat on the AFSC website or AFSC Connect, call the Client Care Centre at 1.877.899.2372, email info@afsc.ca or contact your preferred branch office.