Fertilizer Canada supports provincial governments including on-farm 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices to meet climate change goals

OTTAWA, Nov. 30, 2018 /CNW/ - Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario governments have included 4R Nutrient Stewardship in their respective climate change strategies highlighting the good work industry and farmers are doing in response to climate change in Canada. Fertilizer Canada stands ready to continue working with provincial governments on implementing this Canadian-made solution and position Canada as a world leader in environmental sustainability on farms. 

4R Nutrient Stewardship, using the Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place® best management practices, provides a framework to achieve cropping system goals, such as increased production, increased farmer profitability, enhanced environmental protection and improved sustainability.

The Prairie Resilience: A Made-in-Saskatchewan Climate Change Strategy recognizes Saskatchewan farmers as global leaders in adopting low-emissions on-farm practices. This includes implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices to enhance fertilizer efficiency. To further achieve climate change goals in the province, the government has set a Resilience Target of 25 per cent of Saskatchewan's cropland under 4R designation by 2025.

Likewise, A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan and A Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan cite 4R Nutrient Stewardship as helping reduce nutrient loading and have identified acres under 4R Nutrient Stewardship as a potential indicator to meet targets for improved water quality and reduced emissions.

"Fertilizer Canada is pleased to see the inclusion of 4R Nutrient Stewardship as a solution to climate change in these provincial strategies," said Garth Whyte, President and CEO of Fertilizer Canada. "Canadian farmers have the opportunity to be global leaders in on-farm adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. We stand ready to work with all provincial governments to meet their ambitious goals."

Earlier this year Fertilizer Canada renewed Memorandum's of Cooperation with Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario to deliver sustainable solutions for the provinces' farmers, and has led the development of the world-leading 4R Climate-Smart Strategy as a tool to ensure the economically efficient and environmentally responsible use of fertilizer on farm. New research has shown that if the 4R Climate-Smart Strategy were implemented across Western Canada, it would reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 2-3 MT CO₂e annually.

For more information on how to get your acres counted visit: fertilizercanada.ca/nutrient-stewardship

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 $23 billion annually and over 76,000 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 fertilizercanada.ca.

SOURCE Fertilizer Canada