By Alice McFarlane

Global group leads 4R nutrient stewardship certification

Sep 4, 2020 | 1:14 PM

Fertilizer Canada is joining forces with international groups to promote soil health.

The North American fertilizer industry, along with the Nature Conservancy has been involved in 4R Nutrient Stewardship by forming the Global Nutrient Stewardship Certification Council (NSCC).

4R Nutrient stewardship is the right source at the right rate, right time, and right place and is an internationally recognized policy tailored to fit specific crop types, climates, and soils.

The 4R Certification Program is a voluntary, industry-led program that promotes the sustainable use of nutrients on agricultural fields, which significantly reduces and prevents nutrient run-off.

The NSCC will serve as the international governing body of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification program.

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Fertilizer Canada, the Fertilizer Institute and The Nature Conservancy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining their commitment to the continued development and expansion of the North American 4R Certification Program.

The Global NSCC will create consistency amongst geographies, maintain programs, and ensure requirements are represented in each geographies’ standards. The partnership will also provide guidance to new entities interested in developing programs.

Fertilizer Canada President and CEO Garth Whyte said the fertilizer industry developed the 4R Certification program for agri-retailers.

“The 4R Certification program further demonstrates the fertilizer industry’s commitment to increase on-farm crop productivity and fertilizer efficiency while also demonstrating our leadership in sustainable agriculture,” Whyte said in a news release.

Over the last decade, Fertilizer Canada has implemented the 4Rs through certification and designation programs for agri-retailers. This is a voluntary program where companies collect and report acres that are applying 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices.

Ontario Agri-Business Association CEO Dave Buttenham said it is important to implement clear, concise, and achievable standards for ag retailers.

“It is imperative that the 4R Certification standards are continuously reviewed and updated to ensure they use the most recent technology, research and science available to the industry,” Buttenham said.

Fertilizer Canada, together with the 4R Ontario Steering Committee, amended the audited certification program from Ohio to meet the conditions in Ontario, while ensuring alignment between cross-border efforts aimed at the long-term improvement of the Great Lakes water quality. The 4R Designation Program has been implemented in Western Canada.

The program certifies nutrient service provider’s business practices against the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship. 4R Certified agri retail sites conduct annual, independent, third-party audits, nutrient recommendations and application practices, and documentation. They in turn follow, recommend, and implement the 4R principles for their grower customers.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF