FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON – February 22, 2022 – 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place ®) is the first step to showcase to the world that a crop has been sustainably grown. Growers who work with their 4R Designated/Certified agri-retailer and agronomist to implement a 4R Nutrient Stewardship nutrient management plan and have their acres counted, demonstrates Canada as a leader in sustainable farming.
“By working with a 4R Certified or Designated agronomist to implement 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices on their farms, growers know they are making the best choice for the future of their land from both an environmental perspective and an economic perspective,” said Karen Proud, President and CEO of Fertilizer Canada. “Momentum for 4Rs continues to grow – in addition to farmers and suppliers, provincial governments and farm organizations across Canada have recognized 4R Nutrient Stewardship as the industry standard for nutrient management, helping farmers to meet their combined economic, social, and environmental goals.”
In 2021, over 5.1 million acres were submitted under the 4R Designation program, an increase of 1.8 million over 2020. In addition to the acres submitted, 57 new agronomists entered the program in 2021, increasing the number of 4R Designated agronomists in Western Canada to 178.
The Ontario Certification program made two significant changes in 2021 – the move into compliance cycle two and the addition of independent agronomists as eligible Nutrient Service Providers. The updates to the program saw increased participation, with 45 sites completing a pre-audit and 29 4R agri-retailer sites becoming 4R Certified. These 29 sites represent over 950,000 acres in the province of Ontario, working under a 4R system.
Fertilizer Canada is engaged with Provincial and Federal governments, farm groups, environmental groups, and industry across Canada to link common objectives for environmental stewardship. Our members invest millions of dollars into research, development, and innovation each year, continuing to verify science-based best management practices that improve yields and reduce environmental impact by getting more nutrients to the plant.
“4R Nutrient Stewardship is part of an overall farm management plan that can be complemented with other agronomic and conservation practices,” said Proud. “By incorporating 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices on-farm, farmers will increase crop production and on-farm economics while at the same time balancing environmental goals.”