4R Certification
A professional credential for ag retailers delivering verified, science-based 4R fertilizer recommendations.
What is 4R Certification?
4R Certification is a voluntary program that evaluates Ontario agricultural retailers and nutrient service providers on sustainable 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. Practices are evaluated every two years through a private third-party audit that analyzes the training and education of staff, nutrient recommendations, nutrient application and documentation.
Any individual or group in Ontario who provides nutrient recommendations or applies nutrients for grower customers is eligible to become 4R Certified. The voluntary certification is designed to allow Ontario retailers to align their business practices with the sustainability principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship. This helps grower customers maximize their profitability and reduce their environmental impact by more efficiently managing their fertilizer.
Getting Started
1
Learn More About the Certification Program
4R Certification is a voluntary program designed to allow agri-retailers in Ontario to align their business practices with the sustainability principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship, as verified by a third-party of 37 auditable standards.
2
Gather the Required Information and Evidence for your 4R Certification Audit
Use the following resources to get organized for your audit.
3
Book your 4R Certification Pre-Audit
Your 4R Certification Pre-Audit is a training session, offered by Warriner Ag, that allows agri-retailers to participate in a trail run of the audit process and learn more about the 37 standards.
4
Schedule your 4R Certification Audit
The final step is to schedule your 4R Certification audit.
Book Your Audit With One of our Auditors:
Acre Counting
Each year, Fertilizer Canada reports how many acres across Canada are under 4R Nutrient Stewardship. Acre counting recognizes growers for their commitment to sustainable nutrient management and provides the sector with credible data that supports advocacy, environmental reporting, and program development.
9,057,447 acres
9,057,447 acres were managed using 4R practices across Canada in 2024.
Related Resources
e-learning
Want to deepen your knowledge? Check out our e-learning platform for courses and resources on fertilizer use, safety, and sustainability.
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Find a Local 4R Agri-Retailer
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4R Explainer
Understand how 4R Nutrient Stewardship – Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, and Right place – works and how it can help optimize nutrient uptake.
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4R’s Across Canada
See how Fertilizer Canada has collaborated with agriculture stakeholders and provincial governments to promote and enhance the implementation and adoption of 4R practices across Canada.
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