Author: jmartin

Updates to Nutrient Use and Soil Test Summary Tools Help the Fertilizer Industry Better Understand Crop Nutrition Across the United States

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2021 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced two new updates to crop nutrient use tools that provide the fertilizer industry and agronomic professionals with scientifically-backed data to better track nutrient use and nutrient balances across the United States.

“The fertilizer industry relies on accurate data to make strategic business decisions,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “Using data from the NuGIS and Soil Test Summary platforms, TFI is uniquely positioned to collaborate with partners and soil testing labs to aggregate and analyze this information for our members and stakeholders.”

Working together, the Nutrient Use Geographic Information System (NuGIS) and the Soil Test Summary are an index of performance, both agronomic and environmental, indicating how well a cropping system uses crop nutrients. The two platforms can help provide an estimate of nutrient deficiencies and nutrients susceptible to loss, providing the fertilizer industry, farmers, and scientific stakeholders with insight into improving nutrient use efficiency and nutrient balance.

NuGIS provides county- and watershed-level estimates of nutrients applied to the soil from fertilizer and livestock manure, and nutrients removed by harvested agricultural crops. Nutrient application data comes from fertilizer sales data collected by the American Association of Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) and USDA livestock sales, which are used to estimate manure application. Nutrient removal data is calculated using USDA annual yield data.

NuGIS is a unique data set showing nutrient use efficiency and the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium balance in cropland across the nation. The tool’s maps and charts show distribution of nutrient concentrations, allowing for the determination of where nutrients are either being mined or building up in agricultural production fields.

The Soil Test Summary is an interactive tool for displaying aggregate soil nutrient levels from public and private soil test labs by state from June 2019 through July 2020.

Both NuGIS the Soil Test Summary are collaborations between TFI, the Foundation for Agronomic Research, and Plant Nutrition Canada. These two tools are part of a broader collection of agronomic materials made available to the fertilizer industry and the agronomic community by TFI. Additional resources include the Soil Fertility Manual, the 4R Plant Nutrition Manual, and the InfoAg Conference.

TFI is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers, and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

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TFI Creates Ford West Memorial Fund

WASHINGTON, March 30, 20201 — Ford B. West was a legend in the fertilizer industry, having spent over 35 years promoting, defending, and truly living in the industry. The Ford B. West Future Leaders program has been created to highlight Ford’s love of the industry, the people working in the industry and his friendly demeanor to all he met. West passed away on Feb. 14 following a 15-year medical adventure with prostate cancer. During his career at The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), Ford worked in membership, government affairs and policy and as the President.

TFI is asking industry members to step forward to make a gift to support this effort and honor this amazing leader. The goal of the campaign is $500,000, and it will run through June 2022. Every donation helps achieve the goal to lift up young leaders and support programs of a similar nature as they develop over time.

“Ford was passionate about the fertilizer industry, and he was passionate about young people and networking,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “This program will help lift young leaders and give them the connections and tools to further their careers for the betterment of the entire fertilizer industry.”

Donations can be made at online at the Nutrients for Life Foundation website or by sending checks to the Ford West Memorial Fund at 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 700, Arlington, VA  22203. TFI thanks you for honoring Ford B. West and his tireless work for the fertilizer industry.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers, and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org.

Fertilizer Industry Sustainability Record Continues to Improve According to New Industry Data

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2021 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today released new data highlighting industry improvement in sustainability performance in key priority areas of workforce safety, energy and the environment, fertilizer use, and industry innovation.

“The fertilizer industry has always been focused on feeding the world, and as technology advances, we are looking to do that with minimal impact to our communities and environment,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI president and CEO. “This data quantifies improvements and tracks progress over time, allowing us to present a transparent picture of the industry in an effort to earn the public’s trust in our products and services.”

TFI has collected data since 2013 on metrics that provide insight into the industry’s efforts to improve safety, security, sustainability, stewardship, and efficiency. The data announced today was gathered in 2020 and reflects industry operations in 2019.

Report highlights include:

  • The industry is more than twice as safe as industry peers when compared to benchmark data from the Department of Labor.
  • The industry’s performance on the recordable rate metric is the safest it’s been since data collection began in 2013.
  • To reduce the industry’s energy footprint, 41 percent of all energy consumed is generated using waste heat rather than pulling from the electrical grid.
  • In 2019, the industry captured 29 percent of all CO2 generated per ton of nutrient produced. These greenhouse gases are not emitted into the atmosphere and are used for other industrial uses.
  • Nitrogen producers are using 53 percent less water to produce one ton of fertilizer than they did in 2013.

The data includes metrics on segments of the fertilizer industry from fertilizer use on the farm, worker safety, energy and environment, and industry innovation. To learn more about this year’s State of the Fertilizer Industry report, visit fertilizerreport.org.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers, and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org.

Innovative and Practical 4R Nutrient Management Strategies to be Highlighted in Virtual Field Day Event

WASHINGTON, March 8, 2021 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and the Ohio 4R Nutrient Stewardship Council today announced the 2021 Field Day event will be held virtually on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 8 a.m. CST. The virtual field day will help agronomists, crop advisors, and producers better understand the benefits of nutrient stewardship and how to implement best management practices on their farms or with customers.

The field day, hosted by the 4R Field Day Alliance, provides practical demonstrations and education about implementing 4R practices. This year’s agenda offers an overview of the 4R program, a session on nutrient management for better yields and efficiency, and a discussion of the economics of the 4Rs. Participating certified crop advisors (CCAs) may earn three CEU credits for participating.

“While the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship are based in science, they are best demonstrated in a practical manner, such as the 4R Field Day,” said Corey Rosenbush, TFI president and CEO. “While we intend to host this event in person in the future, we hope this year’s virtual platform allows a larger audience the opportunity to benefit from this valuable information.”

The virtual field day will feature agronomists, farmers, and retailers who successfully use 4R nutrient management strategies. Additionally, equipment and technologies used to support these practices will be highlighted.

4R Nutrient Stewardship provides a framework to achieve cropping system goals such as increased production, increased farmer productivity, enhanced environmental protection and improved sustainability. To achieve these goals, the 4R concept incorporates the right fertilizer source at the right rate, at the right time an in the right place. The virtual field day continues the 4R commitment to support sustainability measures across all agricultural practices and society as a whole. 4R believes that in order to make the use of fertilizer sustainable it must support cropping systems that provide economic, social, and environmental benefits.

The event is free; however, advance registration for the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Virtual Field Day is required and is available by going to hbsound.com/4r.

Sponsors for this year’s event include The Fertilizer Institute, The Mosaic Company, Environmental Tillage Systems, the Ohio Nutrient Stewardship Council, and Corteva Agriscience.

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2021 4R Advocates Represent More Than 31,000 Acres Managed Under Sustainable 4R Fertilizer Practices

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2021 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) announced today it is recognizing 10 new farmers and retailers as 4R Advocates. This honor is bestowed upon select pairs who play a crucial role in showcasing the real-world economic and environmental benefits of implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles. Now in its 10th year, the 4R Advocate program demonstrates the in-field successes of implementing 4R practices based on the right source, rate, time, and placement of fertilizer.

“For 10 years, TFI has honored agricultural retailers and farmers who do more than just talk the talk when it comes to 4R Nutrient Stewardship,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI president and CEO. “I am continually amazed by the passion and dedication these advocates bring to their work and livelihoods, and we are excited to work with them in the coming year.”

4R Advocates recognized since 2012 collectively farm more than 246,000 acres on a variety of cropping systems in 25 states. The 2021 class of 4R Advocates represents 31,745 acres and three new states – Alabama, Arkansas, and California.

This year’s Advocates are:

  • Myron Johnson, Double J Farms, Headland, Ala.
    Drew Schrimsher, GreenPoint Ag, Decatur, Ala.
     
  • Zack Brown, Zack Brown Farms, Success, Ark.
    James Varvil, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Corning, Ark.
     
  • Brenda Wolgamott, The Wine Group, Rippon, Calif.
    Rebecca Kaupp, Helena Agri Enterprises, Salinas, Calif.
     
  • Janette Veazey-Post, Lamb Farms Inc., Oakfield, N.Y.
    David DeGolyer, Western New York Crop Management Association, Warsaw, N.Y.
     
  • Stephen Paget, Simplot Grandview Farms, Burbank, Wash.,
    Jack Jensen, Simplot Grower Solutions, Pasco, Wash.

Throughout the year the Advocates will be included in TFI’s outreach efforts to promote fertilizer management practices by hosting farm field days, participating in conference panels, and speaking on behalf of 4Rs to their farming peers.

The 4R Advocate program is one of many facets of a high-priority campaign to raise awareness and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. Fertilizer is a key component of sustainable crop production systems, and the fertilizer industry recognizes the need to efficiently utilize these nutrients. 4R Advocates and other farmers have partnered with The Fertilizer Institute to demonstrate how 4R practices have led to cost-efficiencies and improved environmental outcomes on their fields. More information and data on their efforts is available at 4RFarming.org.

4R Nutrient Stewardship provides a framework to achieve in-field goals, such as increased production and profitability, enhanced environmental protection, and improved sustainability. The 4R concept incorporates practices that use the right fertilizer source at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.  

Coalition Names Illinois CCA Winner of CCA Conservationist of the Year Award

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2020 – Today, Michael Wilson of Allandale, Ill., was named this year’s recipient of the Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Conservationist of the Year Award.

The 2020 Award was announced by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting Chief Kevin Norton during a virtual ceremony held by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The CCA Conservationist of the Year Award annually recognizes a certified crop adviser who exhibits dedication to exceptional conservation delivery and customer service and has shown to be a leader in their industry.

“Mr. Wilson has made significant contributions to the agriculture industry through his experience and dedication to conservation,” said National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) CEO Jeremy Peters while presenting the award. “His work and achievements truly make him a leader of stewardship and soil health.”

“Admirably, Mr. Mike Wilson is a true example of NRCS’s mission of delivering conservation solutions so agricultural producers can protect our natural resources and feed a growing world,” said Acting Chief Norton. “It takes partners like those in agribusiness with an eye toward natural resource conservation to achieve our goals to increase the overall stewardship of our nation’s farming, ranching and forest landowners’ operations on private lands.”

This year’s award recognizes Wilson’s over 30 years of crop advising experience. He currently works for the Wabash Valley Service Company with a group of CCAs to reach growers on about 600,000 acres in southeast Illinois. His work includes demonstrating to farmers practices and products to increase Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE), maintain or improve yield, and reduce nutrient loss to the environment. His teamwork with growers has resulted in an increased use of nitrogen stabilizers, with 85 percent of all nitrogen applications receiving a stabilizer in the product.

“Agricultural retailers and their employees play a dynamic and trusted role in conservation planning and Mike is a great example of this. ARA congratulates Mike on his award and is proud to be a partner in this annual recognition,” said Daren Coppock, President and CEO of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA).

“TFI has known Mike for many years now, and it is no surprise to us that he was chosen as the Conservationist of the Year,” said Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). “His commitment to conservation and to the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship is exemplary and reflects the values of agricultural retailers across the country who work with farmers to implement best practices.”

“Mike is a great example of the value of Certified Crop Advisers working closely with farmers and ranchers to promote conservation stewardship,” said Nick Goeser, CEO of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). “Not only is he a conservation and agriculture leader, but Mike is dedicated to training the next generation of CCAs to continue the legacy of economic and environmental sustainability.”

“Soil health and conservation are critical elements of agriculture sustainability,” said Dr. Barb Glenn, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). “We congratulate and thank Mike for his committed stewardship of our natural resources.”

Wilson was named a 4R Advocate by The Fertilizer Institute in 2013 for his commitment to helping growers implement the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship. He is also a regular guest speaker at Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Ill., and works to support students by hosting field trips and tours of the Wabash Valley Service Company’s operations.

“Mr. Wilson is a natural teacher, and his real-world experience … always elicits questions from students about how to implement these strategies in our region of Illinois,” said Steve Hnetkovsky, assistant professor of agriculture at Wabash Valley College and Wilson’s nominator for the award. “He is a force of nature when it comes to advocating for responsible nutrient management and stewardship of our soil resource.”

To view a recording of the award presentation, click here.

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The CCA Conservationist of the Year Award is supported by a conservation and agribusiness partnership between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Agricultural Retailers Association, the American Society of Agronomy, CropLife America, Crop Science Society of America, National Association of Conservation Districts, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Soil Science Society of America and The Fertilizer Institute. The American Society of Agronomy administers the award. Learn more at https://www.agronomy.org/awards.

The Next Stop on TFI’s Sustainability Journey

It’s been said that sustainability is a journey, that you don’t suddenly wake up one day achieving your end goals. It takes time, effort, and resources to get to where you are going.

This viewpoint is no different for trade associations, and The Fertilizer Institute has been on a journey since 2014 to advance sustainability within the fertilizer industry. In 2015, TFI began the process to document and track progress on industry-wide metrics. In 2020, TFI released the fifth State of the Fertilizer Industry Report, which has proven invaluable to TFI and the industry as we work to achieve desired policy outcomes.

With five years under our belt, we felt it was time to hit the pause button and assess where we are on this journey of sustainability. Are we meeting the industry’s needs? How can TFI better support advancing sustainable plant production and use? And where do we see the industry in the next five years?

Those questions led us to realize that our data collection and reporting efforts weren’t going to get us to where we want to go. The spectrum of the sustainability journey looks different for our diverse membership base. While some companies are well on their way, others are trying to figure out how to get started. And, sustainability perspectives vary based on where a company is positioned in the supply chain. Education, networking and input on resources from our members are key to advancing sustainable plant nutrition.

So, starting in the fall of 2020, TFI will stand up a new Sustainability Committee with a mission to advance sustainable plant nutrition to reduce the environmental footprint, build economic and reputational health, and support public policy outcomes for nutrient production and use.

While we are looking for members to sign up to join the committee, we intend to start with a dialogue as we want to hear from you. On October 22, 2020, we will host a virtual town hall forum. Attendees will hear from a spectrum of members about their sustainability journey – from members who are just starting out to those with years of experience. Your insights and questions are welcomed and encouraged! The town hall is open to employees from TFI member companies; you can register for this event here.

Attendance is not required to participate on the committee. If you are interested in committee participation, please fill out this form and we will add you to the list.

As TFI takes the next step on our sustainability journey, we hope you will join us for the ride!

Please note that participation in the Town Hall and on the committee is restricted to employees of TFI member companies. To register for the Town Hall, you will need to log-in to TFI’s website. Please go to tfi.org/user/signin to sign in or create an account.

Rethinking the Future of Fertilizer

For more than 100 years, the fertilizer industry – and agriculture at large – has benefited off the work of science and technology. Starting in 1918, with the Haber Bosch process, which made the production of ammonia fertilizer economically feasible. Since then, the industry has kept refining not just how fertilizers are made, but how they are used by plants.

It’s this later work that I think about when I think of the future of fertilizer. Agriculture faces challenges, that while not new to the conversation today, they are vitally important to the future of our industry and the planet. Whether it’s finding sustainable ways to feed a growing global population or responding to environmental concerns at local levels, we will need to think creatively about fertilizer going forward.

Fertilizers are one tool farmers can’t do without. They help replenish the soil after each cropping season and allow for the growth of crops at yields that provide sustained global food production. However, nitrogen and phosphorus applied without consideration of 4R principles can lead to nutrient losses impacting both air and water quality. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) and other new product technologies and formulations can increase a plant’s ability to use fertilizers and help keep fertilizer in the plant’s root zone – both of which reduce nutrient loss. In a farm’s conservation system, these products can reduce agriculture’s impacts on the environment while maintaining or increasing productivity and profitability. And for many in the food supply chain, these products can be an important element for reaching sustainability goals that focus on improving water quality and mitigating climate change.

There has been much development to make sure that fertilizer stays in the soil in a form that is readily available for plant uptake. Whether that is through the use of 4R Nutrient Stewardship, EEFs, biostimulants, or any number of new technologies on the horizon, the fertilizer industry has always looked for solutions. And we’re now presented with a new opportunity for the next generation of commercial fertilizers.

This summer, TFI partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the NextGen Fertilizer Challenges, which aims to accelerate the development of innovative fertilizer product technologies and to increase the use of EEFs that maintain or increase crop yields and reduce environmental impacts to air, land, and water.

Public-private partnerships, such as this one, are key to improving the registration process for new fertilizers and increasing farmers’ access to new technologies that provide needed agronomic benefit. The NextGen fertilizer challenge will further stimulate innovation and increase on-farm adoption of effective fertilizer product technologies.

Additionally, the development of new enhanced efficiency and NextGen fertilizers can impact farmers’ bottom lines. When farmers use EEFs and other products as part of their 4R Nutrient Stewardship management, they have the opportunity to increase yields, decrease costs, and reduce environmental losses. 4R practices are based on applying the right source of fertilizer at the right rate, the right time, and in the right place. Getting the 4Rs right means increasing nutrient uptake by the crop to improve farmer ROI and crop productivity. And, reducing losses to the environment means improved water quality and reduced ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Through the 4R Farming initiative, we are seeing evidence of this through on-farm data. I have two examples to share here, but more data is available at 4Rfarming.org.

From 2014 to 2017, a corn farmer in Illinois went from using basic 4R principles to an advanced strategy that incorporated variable rate fertilizer applications throughout the growing season, using enhanced efficiency fertilizers, and other 4R practices. By 2017, his yields had increased, nutrient use efficiency had improved, and impressively, he saw a 34 percent reduction in CO2 emissions coming from his fields.

A Virginia corn farmer, whose farm backs right up to the Rappahanock River, has been practicing the 4Rs for many years. He’s incorporated many advanced practices in conjunction with conservation and the use of enhanced efficiency fertilizers. On the fields where he has implemented an advanced 4R strategy, he saw a 14 percent CO2 emissions reduction, all while his cost per acre decreased.

While we can’t solely attribute these improvements to the use of EEFs and other fertilizer technologies, we are seeing that their use as part of a broader 4R management strategy is yielding results for farmers and the environment across the country.

The NextGen Fertilizer Challenges will further stimulate innovation and increase on-farm adoption of these effective fertilizer product technologies. Details about the challenges are available on the EPA website and winners will be announced in December 2020 for the existing EEFs challenge and February 2020 for the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovation challenge.

  • EEFs: Environmental and Agronomic Challenge: This challenge aims to identify existing EEFs currently on or near-market that meet or exceed certain environmental and agro-economic criteria. Submissions are due October 30, 2020.
  • Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge: This challenge aims to identify concepts for novel technologies for fertilizers that can reduce the environmental effects from modern agriculture while maintaining or increasing crop yields. Submissions to the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge are not near-market and may include EEFs and other product technologies used with or in combination with commercial fertilizers. Submissions are due November 30, 2020.

TFI and our members are excited to be part of these future solutions for the American farmer and the environment.  

The Fertilizer Institute Funds Research on 4R Practice Implementation in the Northern Great Plains

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2020 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced $800,000 in new funding through the 4R Research Fund for a research project led by University of Minnesota to evaluate and adapt the 4R Nutrient Stewardship concept for sustainable nutrient management in the Red River Basin.

“One of the basic tenants of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship initiative is that it is not a one size fits all approach, and that’s why geography-specific research, such as this project, is so vital,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “The fertilizer industry’s commitment to the 4R Research Fund is a critical component in our efforts to improve sustainable plant nutrition.”

The Red River Basin of the North is currently adapting to new demands in response to increased grain production and increased nutrient loads in the region’s freshwater lakes. Defining and adopting 4R Nutrient Stewardship and edge-of-field practices for this cold weather climate across the region is critical to reducing the extent and severity of nutrient runoff losses from agricultural land to Lake Winnipeg in Canada.

The international border separating the source of the nutrients from the area of impact has increased pressure on farmers to adopt strategies to reduce nutrient runoff. Previous research in the Western Lake Erie Basin has shown that adopting a 4R framework can help meet nutrient load reduction goals. This project, a public-private partnership, will evaluate the 4R Nutrient Stewardship concept and amend it for implementation in the shifting cropping systems and cold climate of the Red River Basin.

“We are excited to adapt the 4R Nutrient Stewardship concept for this critical, but often overlooked, North American watershed,” said Dr. Lindsay Pease, assistant professor at the University of Minnesota and lead project investigator. “This cross-border, multi-institutional project will allow us to work alongside growers in developing practical phosphorus management solutions that protect both the long-term sustainability of agriculture and our shared water resources.”

The project will also develop outreach programming and resources to communicate research findings and engage stakeholders to support the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program in the region.

In addition to the 4R Research Fund grant, $1.2 million has been leveraged in matching funds and infrastructure. The University of Minnesota will work with partners in the United States and Canada, including the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Manitoba Department of Agriculture, the University of Manitoba, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Agricultural Water Resources Center, Sand County Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, North Dakota State University, and the University of Waterloo.

The Fertilizer Institute, in cooperation with Fertilizer Canada, established the 4R Research Fund through the Foundation for Agronomic Research in 2013 to address U.S. and Canadian knowledge gaps in nutrient management. Since then, in the Untied States, the industry has invested $9.2 million into projects while leveraging $10 million in other funding to support 4R research. More information is available at 4Rresearch.org.

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TFI is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

TFI Announces International Governing Body for 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program

WASHINGTON, September 3, 2020 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) announced the formation of an international governing body for the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program – the Global Nutrient Stewardship Certification Council (NSCC). The NSCC is composed of representatives from The Fertilizer Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and The Nature Conservancy, who will guide interested parties in the implementation of a 4R Certification program in their region.

“The fertilizer industry recognizes the environmental challenges its products pose; however, we want to be part of the solution,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “Fertilizer applications on millions of acres of farmland around the United States are under the management of highly-trained professionals who make 4R recommendations to farmers every day. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is a way to ensure the industry continues to meet and exceed standards that help protect the environment.”

The voluntary 4R Certification Program is an effort by the North American agriculture industry to significantly reduce and prevent fertilizer from running off fields into the water supply. The program certifies fertilizer retailers and crop consultants – those who apply or make fertilizer recommendations – are following business practices in accordance with 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles. 4R practices incorporate using the right fertilizer source at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. Program participants must go through annual, independent, third-party audits, which demonstrate their understanding, following and recommendation and implementation of 4R principles with their grower customer.

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification program was initially launched in the Western Lake Erie Basin in 2014 as a partnership between TFI, The Nature Conservancy, and the Ohio Agribusiness Association. A year later, Fertilizer Canada led the development a certification program for Ontario agribusiness. Programs are currently available in Florida, New York, and Ohio in the United States and in Ontario and Prince Edward Island in Canada. Other geographies working to implement the program are Indiana, Minnesota, and Missouri.

“Fertilizer Canada and TFI have worked together to develop a robust science-based certification program that recognizes the climate smart agricultural practices of North American agri retailers,” said Garth Whyte, President and CEO at Fertilizer Canada. “The Certification program further demonstrates our commitment to balancing farmer, industry, and advocacy goals to improve on-farm economics, crop productivity and fertilizer efficiency, while also being leaders in sustainable agriculture.”

An early champion of the 4R Nutrient Certification Program, The Nature Conservancy views the effort as an essential component of its Sustainable Agriculture strategy for North America. “The 4R framework is a proven, science-based approach that works for the farmer and for nature,” said Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, strategic engagement director for The Nature Conservancy in North America. “It helps farmers and agribusinesses ensure the long-term sustainability of crop production, while also protecting lands and waters for future generations.”

With a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding, the geographies recognize TFI as the global administrative agent for the 4R Certification Program and the Global NSCC and manager of the program in the United States. Fertilizer Canada develops and administers the 4R certification program for interested provinces. Coordination within the NSCC will create consistency amongst geographies, maintain program rigor, and ensure core auditable requirements are represented in each geographies’ standards. The Global NSCC will also provide guidance to new entities interested in developing programs in their geographies.

The NSCC also announced a newly redesigned 4Rcertified.org, which will serve as a central hub of information for interested geographies and retailers, current program participants, legislators, regulators, and the general public. The website includes information on the 4R Certification Program, as well as geography-specific resources and statistics.

Those interested in implementing the 4R Certification program in their geography should contact The Fertilizer Institute in the United States and Fertilizer Canada in Canada to assist in developing a program plan.

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is governed and guided by the Global Nutrient Stewardship Certification Council – representatives from program geographies, The Fertilizer Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and Fertilizer Canada. The Global NSCC creates consistency among member geographies, maintains program rigor and ensures core auditable requirements are represented in each geographies’ standards. The 4R Certification Program is administered by The Fertilizer Institute. For more information, visit 4Rcertified.org.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.