New funding continues 4R nutrient program

Government and farm groups have renewed their investment in 4R nutrient stewardship, ensuring the program, popular in Ontario, continues for three more years.

The renewal of the partnership between Fertilizer Canada, Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), the Ontario Agri Business Association (OABA), Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) “ensures the continued advancement of sustainable agriculture in Ontario,” said a statement from the organizations.

A total of $382,500 over three years is being invested towards Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Certification program for agri-retailers in Ontario. The organizations say they want to provide Ontario’s producers with solutions to the increased pressure of reducing their environmental impact.

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Ontario Certified Crop Advisors lead the continent in 4R stewardship certification with 109 certified, 39 per cent of all 4R certifications in North America.

“Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Certification program offers agri-retailers a way to formally align their business with the sustainability principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship,” said Garth Whyte, president and CEO of Fertilizer Canada.

The investment will assist in promoting the 4R Certification Program and process for agri-retailers and so, will benefit their customers who are looking for solutions to increase their economic benefit while decreasing their environmental impact.

“Agri-retailers are a grower’s best resource for nutrient management advice,” said Clarence Nyweming, president of CFFO.

“As more agri-retailers in the province will become certified, Ontario growers will have better access to sustainability advice,” said Whyte. This sustainability advice aligns with the best management practices outlined with the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program – fertilizer being applied with the right source at the right rate, the right time and in the right place.

Working with a 4R Certified agri-retailer can help a grower better understand the best management practices for their farm that can help them save on fertilizer costs and have less impact on the environment.

Fertilizer Canada, the founders of the 4R Certification program, hopes to reach a 20 million acre goal by 2020. All the acres advised by a 4R certified agri-retailer are counted towards this goal.