Released on November 8, 2016
Today, the Government of Saskatchewan and Fertilizer Canada signed a Memorandum of Co-operation (MOC) agreeing to work together on the ongoing implementation and adoption of fertilizer application practices using 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place ®).“Saskatchewan has long promoted 4R Nutrient Stewardship and many farmers have adopted it as best practice,” Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said. “This agreement will further that work, contributing to greater on-farm sustainability and environmental stewardship in Saskatchewan. Healthy soil and crop nutrition are essential to crop production in Saskatchewan. The application of fertilizer using the 4R Nutrient Stewardship will help farmers continue to improve efficiency and grow more food.”
The alliance will strengthen existing environmental stewardship by helping farmers to adopt science-based fertilizer application practices using 4R Nutrient Stewardship. This partnership will create awareness programs, enable collaboration with farmers in the province and implement communication strategies on sustainable, best management practices, 4R Demonstration farms, and web-based training materials.
“Representing more than 35 million acres of cropland in Canada, Saskatchewan will play a significant part in making a tangible contribution toward sustainable farming in Canada,” Fertilizer Canada President and CEO Garth Whyte said.
“We are encouraged by the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to 4R Nutrient Stewardship and are thrilled to work alongside the agriculture communities in the province in the spirit of this agreement.”Fertilizer Canada works provincially to help farmers build 4R Nutrient Stewardship into their farm management plans, the most sustainable way to use fertilizer. To date, five other provincial agreements and 39 demonstration farms have been established. Nationally, 4R Nutrient Stewardship represents 2.1 million acres, though it is estimated that the rate of implementation is significantly higher as roughly 70 per cent of farmers across Canada recognize the 4R principles.
Fertilizer Canada represents manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilizers. The fertilizer industry plays an essential role in Canada’s economy, contributing more than $12 billion annually and 12,000 jobs. The association is committed to supporting the fertilizer industry with innovative research and programming while advocating sustainability, stewardship, safety and security through standards and Codes of Practice. Please visit www.fertilizercanada.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Sarah Hein
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5389
Email: sarah.hein@gov.sk.ca
Elizabeth Smith
Fertilizer Canada
Phone: 613-617-4974
Email: esmith@fertilizercanada.ca