Author: jmartin

The Fertilizer Institute Partners with EPA, USDA to Advance Next Generation Fertilizer Development and Use

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2020 – Today, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) joined with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in launching the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges, which aims to accelerate the development of innovative fertilizer product technologies and to increase the use of existing enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) that maintain or increase crop yields and reduce environmental impacts to air, land, and water.

“Today’s fertilizer industry is built upon decades of innovation that have led us to a modern and efficient supply chain that has helped farmers increase yields while fine tuning their fertilizer use,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “However, there is always improvement to be made, which is why we are excited to partner with the federal government and others in this challenge to spur the industry’s creativity in finding sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s fertilizer industry.”

Fertilizers facilitate the growth of crops at yields that provide sustained global food production. However, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers applied without consideration of the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship (source, rate, time, and place) can have harmful effects on environment and human health. EEF and other new product technologies and formulations control fertilizer release or alter reactions that can increase nutrient uptake by the plant and reduce nutrient losses to the environment. EEFs and other related technologies can be an important addition to a conservation practice system that helps reduce row crop agriculture impacts on the environment, while maintaining or increasing agricultural productivity and profitability.

The EEF Partnership and Competition includes two challenges. The EEFs: Environmental and Agronomic Challenge and the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovation Challenge. Submission details are available on the EPA website and winners will be announced in December 2020 (Existing EEFs) and February 2020 (Next Gen Fertilizer Innovation).

  • 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.

Winners of the EEFs: Environmental and Agronomic Challenge will receive scientific evaluation and recognition from EPA, USDA, and other partners and participants; advancement to a greenhouse trial; and, pending greenhouse trial results and available funds, advancement to field trials.

Winners of the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge will receive a minimum award of $10,000 per winner from a total prize purse of $40,000 and be invited to a showcasing event, where winners of both challenges will share ideas and spark innovation.

An informational webinar is scheduled for September 24, 2020. Registration details are available on the EPA website.

EPA and USDA are working in collaboration with TFI, the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). The challenges were developed with input from stakeholders such as corn grower representatives, fertilizer companies, university researchers, and environmental and industry NGOs.

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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.

The Fertilizer Institute’s 4R Advocate Program Celebrates 10th Anniversary, Now Accepting 2021 4R Advocate Nominations

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2020 –The Fertilizer Institute’s (TFI) 4R Advocate program is celebrating its 10th anniversary starting with the acceptance of nominations for the 2021 4R Advocate awards. This program recognizes farmers and fertilizer retailers for their commitment to sound nutrient stewardship using the 4Rs, or the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, the right time, and in the right place. Using 4R practices most applicable to their operations, farmers improve return on their nutrient inputs and decrease environmental impact.

To date, 90 4R Advocates from 22 states, representing nearly one-quarter million acres have been recognized. They grow crops that include apples, alfalfa, cabbage, collard greens, corn, cotton, hops, peanuts, rice, soybeans, strawberries, tomatoes, and more.

Advocate nominations are due no later than Friday, October 30, 2020. Details, materials, and entry forms for retailers and industry partners to nominate farmers are available online at nutrientstewardship.org/advocates/become-an-advocate/. Entry forms offer easy directions for farmers and retailers to document their efforts to apply the 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles and to chart results. Applicants can also read previous winners’ stories on the same website.

“Fertilizer retailers have long been trusted advisers for farmers. In doing so, they help farmers implement the 4Rs in their businesses year-round,” said Lara Moody, TFI’s Vice President, Stewardship and Sustainability. “From soil testing to pre-plant nutrient planning and in-season nutrient management and harvest, retailers work side by side with farmers to ensure optimal yields, economic return, and sound environmental practices.”

The 4R Advocate program highlights farmers’ partnerships with their retailers or certified agronomists throughout the year and demonstrates to the fertilizer industry, the agricultural community, and policymakers the real-world benefits the 4Rs deliver on the farm and in communities.

The 2021 4R Advocate winners will be announced in mid-December. They will participate in an all-expense-paid trip to the 2021 Commodity Classic, scheduled for March 4 through 6, in San Antonio, Texas. TFI will honor the 4R Advocate growers and nominating retailers during an awards banquet that takes place during the event. Special guests, media, and previous 4R Advocate award winners will also be invited.

As with 4R Advocates before them, the 2021 Advocates will spend the next year supporting TFI-sponsored 4R activities, as well as serve as 4R representatives within their businesses and communities during educational events and special presentations.

Raising awareness and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship is a top priority for the fertilizer industry. The industry builds 4R awareness among growers and agricultural stakeholders at agricultural trade shows, field days, company visits, and other outreach opportunities.

As 4R Nutrient Stewardship management practices grow in popularity among farmers, the industry has gained additional support for the practices from allied industry groups such as Certified Crop Advisors, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and The Nature Conservancy.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI serves its members through legislative, educational, technical and 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.

NEPA Updates? TFI Says, “Yes, Please”

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2020 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today applauded the finalization of updates to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as the revisions will ensure federal regulations continue to protect the environment without causing unnecessary negative impact to the business community.

“NEPA has not been updated in 40 years, and TFI has been supportive of these long overdue changes that improve efficiency of the permitting process and ensure continued environmental protection,” said TFI President & CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Our industry is focused on providing crop nutrients in a way that ensures farmer profitability and minimizes environmental impact so that we can feed a growing world. To do that we also need to grow, and we need the stability and certainty of a regulatory framework that allows us to do so.”

Phosphorous and potassium, two of the three primary plant nutrients, are natural resources derived from mined minerals. Permits to mine these minerals on both private and public lands can take many years to obtain. One of the primary permitting challenges is the uneven application of the provisions of NEPA by states and the federal government. These NEPA updates will add needed clarity to this process and facilitate a more timely and efficient permitting process. 

Over the past 50 years, these regulations have evolved into a legal framework that has unnecessarily stalled or prevented critical phosphate and potash mining projects in the United States. These process-based delay tactics do not reflect environmental impacts and only serve to increase project costs and permitting delays.

“Many of our members have been negatively impacted by outdated NEPA guidelines,” Rosenbusch confirmed. “One producer, whose story is not unique, has spent the last decade and $20 million dollars in pursuit of a permit to grow jobs and instill economic prosperity in a community still reeling from economic stagnation, only to remain unsure of its ultimate fate.

“TFI believes in the original Congressional intent of NEPA, which was to help public officials make decision that are based on the understanding of environmental consequences and to take actions that protect, restore, and enhance the environment,” Rosenbusch concluded. “These revisions will ensure that federal regulations continue to protect the environment without causing unnecessary negative impacts to the business community and allowing what our members to do what they do best: feed the world.”

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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 and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

Fertilizer Industry Keen on Sustainability, New Market Opportunities, ROI

crop field

This article was originally published in the May/June 2020 issue of Argus Media’s Fertilizer Focus magazine.

Based on recent discussions among members of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) board of directors, more than 80 percent agree that sustainability and environmental impact are the issues that will most affect their businesses for the next three to five years.

“This is telling, especially since it echoes what our recent State of the Fertilizer Industry Report shows,” says Corey Rosenbusch, TFI president and CEO. “It highlights our efforts to partner with the industry to demonstrate and benchmark our progress towards sustainable development goals (SDGs).

“We’re making headway. For example, the energy used to produce one ton of fertilizer has decreased by three percent since 2017 and emissions per nutrient ton decreased seven percent in the same period, demonstrating ongoing progress with fertilizer manufacturing and use,” he adds.

Rosenbusch emphasizes that industry advancement goes beyond manufacturing. Nutrient stewardship on the farm shows measurable progress as evidenced by case studies, research and ROI documented by 90 4R Nutrient Stewardship Advocates recognized by TFI the past nine years.

It is no small commitment. Rosenbusch says the industry has committed $8.4 million to the 4R Research Fund and leveraged $8.8 million in funding for these projects since 2013.

 

Safety paramount

That the industry consistently achieves a safety record that is twice that of industry peers, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, is more important now than ever.

“The pandemic caused by COVID-19 arrived in the U.S. just prior to more than 80 percent of the nitrogen moving through the supply chain,” Rosenbusch says. “During this time, employees at ports, distribution terminals, trucking and retail operations showed up to ensure nutrients were delivered to farmers. They did so because they know their employers are focused on their health and safety to ensure long-term food production.”

Rosenbusch reiterates that, despite the runs on grocery stores that occurred, the overall food supply is in good shape. It is critically important to ensure its sustainability with a strong infrastructure supported by knowledgeable professionals.

“Our industry is focused on safety, now more than ever,” he says. “Since the pandemic struck, the employees who make up safety and health teams at facilities are practically doubling as epidemiologists. It is remarkable to learn how these teams are being so highly protective of workers during these times. They remain committed to stopping the spread of any disease to ensure products get to the fields.”

The TFI team worked with government officials so that the fertilizer industry was declared an essential part of the US infrastructure and its employees are officially listed as critical workers.

“Issues surrounding this pandemic will be a focus for months ahead,” Rosenbusch says.

 

Collaboration key to unlocking opportunities

Despite current challenges, Rosenbusch is optimistic for opportunities that lie ahead, especially as the industry collaborates to advance SDGs and enhance environmental, social and governance impacts.

“From ResponsibleAg promoting worker and community safety to the end of the supply chain where the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program helps ensure the sustainable use of fertilizer, the results of industrywide collaboration are being proven, Rosenbusch says. “The Foundation for Agronomic Research puts forward information through presentations and case studies that allow farmers to tell their stories with data that helps influence farmer behavior on a broader scale.”

Using data, or science to communicate is foundational to TFI partnerships that include The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, the land grant university system and others.

“Scientists help make industry research go further,” Rosenbusch says, “Plus, they are objective voices and provide unbiased lenses for the world to understand the impact of fertilizer and what it contributes to society.”

One example is a project with Iowa State University that examines the impacts of 4R nitrogen management on crop production and nitrogen loss in tile drainage. Matthew Helmers, PhD with the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, led the project.

“This results of this project are directly applicable to growers throughout the Midwest,” Helmers says. “That’s what is critical about this partnership with the 4R Research Fund. Because of it, we were able to develop a research project that fills gaps and provides information for those in our region. The fund also supports research that benefits growers in other parts of the US and Canada.”

 

Educational activities convey research

Practically applying TFI-supported research is one goal of the educational programming component within the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program. Ensuring the programs are delivered with the right content for the right audiences falls to a team of four with complementary experiences of agronomic and agricultural engineering expertise.

One example of ongoing educational outreach is TFI’s relationship with Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs).

“We partner with the CCAs to be a resource for their ongoing educational efforts,” says Laura Moody, TFI vice president of stewardship and sustainability programs. “We hosted four webinars that counted as continuing education credits. Each had 1,000 to 1,500 participants who viewed them. These focused on micronutrients and how they are applied relative to the 4Rs.

“We also prepare an article for the 4R section of Crops & Soils magazine six times a year,” Moody adds. “These articles take readily available information from peer-reviewed literature and converts in into everyday terms to that it is readily accessible for CCAs.”

TFI staff present during a variety of conferences each year. These generally cover ongoing 4R research or economic case studies. In addition, the team works with members and industry stakeholders to host session or symposia. For example, TFI staff will lead a session about 4R metrics and another that focuses on research funded by the 4R Research Fund during the 2020 Tri-Societies (agronomy, crop and soil science) meeting.

 

New venture seeks carbon and water credits

Helping to develop further return on 4R practices, TFI and the Economic Services Market Consortium (ESMC) announced plans to test improved nutrient stewardship as one way to increase farmer profitability through the ecosystems services market ESMC is developing with a launch goal of 2022.

“The ESMC team is working to create a marketplace where farmers can get the credits of the environmental practices they’re already doing, such as the 4Rs,” says Sally Flis, PhD, TFI Senior Directory of Agronomy. “TFI will engage some of our 4R Advocates to conduct a pilot program to test protocols in different crops and different regions.

“Our role in this pilot is to help recruit 4R Advocates who will share their data with ESMC and build out the tools to measure credits,” Flis says. “Knowing that 2022 is fast approaching, we’ll start with four farms. We can then determine what data is needed and the best ways to obtain it. We’ll then determine how to scale up data collection and create processes that help us onboard more farms in the next nine months.”

Flis will serve as a science advisor to ESMC on the project. ESMC’s science-based, outcomes-based protocols and program generates credits for soil carbon, net GH, water quality and water use efficiency.

 

Educational efforts, 4Rs return dividends

While TFI pursues new opportunities for the industry, its tenet that the practices it supports return dividends remains at the forefront. This is evident with the results of implementing 4R practices. One of six new case studies presented at 4Rfarming.org demonstrates the practices lowers cost per-acre production costs over time.

Management at a Florida potato and green bean farm uses multiple in-season splits for fertilizer applications, tissue testing and soil testing to monitor and adjust nutrient applications. Fertigation is now being tested to deliver in-season nutrients.

The farm has implemented intermediate 4R practices for more than 15 years. Over time, they have progressed to advanced 4R practices and are testing more changes with the help of university researchers.

Some of the 4R practices they’ve improved include:

  • Use multiple nutrient sources in blends instead of relying on single forms of nutrients. They now apply muriate of potash and potassium sulfate together because one takes longer to release than the other.
  • Fine-tuned application rates through split application to reduce leaching and to provide nutrients in time with the crop’s needs.
  • Use a starter application at planting, followed by a dry sidedress application after emergence, followed by a liquid later in the season.
  • Plant a cover crop after every crop to prevent erosion and increase organize matter for the next crop.

The yield range has remained the same at 235 lbs/cwt. Application rates for nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium remained the same for 2017 and 2018. Cost per acre improved from $324.19 in 2017 to $318.01 in 2018.

“This documentation confirms that our collaboration with the industry, our university partners and industry allies are delivering economic and environmental benefits to farmers and their communities,” Rosenbusch says. “This aligns with long-term goals.”

Yara’s Incubator Farms Demonstrate Ongoing Quest for Knowledge

This post is part of a series highlighting work across the fertilizer industry as featured in TFI’s State of the Fertilizer Industry Report. Visit http://www.fertilizerreport.org to learn more.

 

Yara is a global crop nutrition company that has been selling products and solutions since 1905 and employs more than 17,000 workers worldwide. The company places a heavy focus on increasing knowledge in crop nutrition and environmental solutions. One way it does that is by investing to find real-world solutions to crop nutrition needs.

To support this mission, the company established the Yara Incubator Farms in Auburn, Alabama; Modesto, California; and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, as a place to explore, evolve, refine and share knowledge. Field-scale soil fertility and crop nutrient management research will be done at the combined 240-acre farms in collaboration with partners, customers, and various technology providers.

The incubator farms enable Yara and its partners to gather data and intimate knowledge of every aspect of the cropping system over the years. The Auburn farm, established in partnership with Auburn University, is currently growing corn, cotton, and soybeans on 80 acres, 60 of which are irrigated. The Modesto farm has 40 acres of fertigated and established almonds, and 40 acres of irrigated and established walnuts. The 80-acre Saskatoon farm will be established in 2020 near the Ag In Motion site and focus on the common rotational dryland crops wheat, canola, and pulses.

Toby Goodroad, market development director for Yara North America, says that Yara’s investment in incubator farms and supporting research demonstrates the commitment Yara has to growers and dealer customers.

“These farms are used to generate new knowledge, to try to understand the cropping system as a whole and provide our commercial teams agronomic arguments to try to change things or benefit the industry,” Goodroad said. “We have a little over 800 agronomists on the ground globally working with farmers, working with dealers, trying to provide solutions.”

Goodroad added that their agronomists are always hungry for information and to be trained on the latest science as they are the technical expert of Yara’s fertilizer products. Their collective knowledge helps Yara create trust in the marketplace and bring proper solutions for farmers around the globe.

“I think knowledge is key. We want to sell the right products because at the end of the day, farmers and dealers expect results,” said Goodroad.

The research done on these fields aim to improve nutrient and water use efficiency. Using 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles combined with cultural practices and proper water management, Yara intends to find areas where improvements can be made.

“How can we continuously feed fertility through the season, versus big shots only a few times a year?” Goodroad asked, referring to their research. “How do we keep nutrients and water in the root zone where the crop can access it?” Regarding fertigation he said, “That all comes back to water again, but it also comes back to your ability to manage the fertility going into the irrigation system.” 

Goodroad says “Yara wants to help improve the sustainability of the farmer. And the incubator farms can provide some clear answers on how to advise farmers to do things in the most sustainable way.”

“We’re a small voice at the end of the day, but we need to work together and build trust. It’s not all about sales, but it’s all about being here for the next several centuries.”

The Fertilizer Industry is Ready for Business

We are living in unprecedented times as the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed our country to a near standstill. But in agriculture, the show must go on – even during a pandemic. As farmers headed back to the fields this spring, the fertilizer industry has been right beside them making sure they have the fertilizer they need, when and where they need it.

To do this requires addressing complex logistical challenges and coordination among all segments of the fertilizer value chain from manufacturing, transportation, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. Any break in this chain could have a negative impact for farmers. The critical work being done throughout the fertilizer industry will ensure food from commodity crops like corn, soy, and wheat to fresh fruits and vegetables will remain on grocery store shelves throughout the coming months.

But being open for business looks a lot different than it did a few months ago. Within one week of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 as a pandemic, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) was instrumental in gaining an “essential business” designation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), meaning TFI members could remain open for business and keep employees on the job with appropriate safety measures put in place. Throughout the fertilizer supply chain, from manufacturing facilities to wholesaler and distribution to retail outlets, the entire fertilizer industry has taken precautions to protect the health and safety of all employees, including providing employees with personal protective equipment, maintaining social distancing, and following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To help alleviate some of the challenges facing the industry, TFI acted swiftly on several other key issues, including the essential services designation by the Department of Homeland Security,  securing personal protective equipment for industry employees from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and adding fertilizer to the list of product exemptions in the Department of Transportation’s Hours of Service emergency declaration.

“The next six to eight weeks will be crucial to our members and their farmer customers as they conduct spring planting activities. The timely delivery of plant nutrients to American farmers is critical to their ability to produce food, fuel, and fiber” said TFI’s President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “In order to get plant nutrients to the farm, the fertilizer industry relies on a safe and efficient transportation network, including rail carriers, ports, barges, pipelines, and trucks. In addition, the ability to move products across the border to and from Canada is also an important part of the fertilizer supply chain.”

TFI also led a coalition of more than 40 national food and agriculture organizations in sending a letter to all 50 governors requesting that they incorporate DHS’s guidance declaring fertilizer as an essential service into their state response plans. As the fertilizer industry works across state lines, it was essential to have a consistent approach across all 50 states and local governments.

Throughout this time, TFI is committed to providing resources for fertilizer industry employees who continue to show up to work at fertilizer manufacturing, distribution, and retail facilities across the country. Visit TFI’s COVID-19 Resource Center for more information.

TFI staff is filled with gratitude for the role that our industry’s employees and their farmer customers play in keeping the world’s best food production system up and running throughout this crisis. It’s an honor to serve you.

If you would like to become a supporter of the fertilizer industry, add your name to the list below. Your support will help us communicate on key issues that impact the industry.

 

4R Research Fund – Industry and Academia Partner to Fill Knowledge Gaps

This post is part of a series highlighting work across the fertilizer industry as featured in TFI’s State of the Fertilizer Industry Report. Visit www.fertilizerreport.org to learn more.

 

The concept of 4R Nutrient Stewardship has been used in some form in U.S. agriculture for at least 75 years. And while it has served farmers well over the years, knowledge gaps emerged as agriculture has gotten more precise with the advancement of technology. There is also a lack in understanding the impact of practices and technologies on the environment and crop yields. The fertilizer industry invested in the 4R Research Fund in 2013 to fill these knowledge gaps. To date, the industry has invested more than $8 million in research, which has been leveraged by another $8.8 million from outside sources.

Research based on the source, rate, timing, and placement of fertilizer isn’t new, but through the 4R Research Fund, the research community has come together to solve specific challenges impacting an industry and their farmer customers.

Matt Helmers, professor at Iowa State University and director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, has led 4R Research Fund projects since 2014. His team manages water quality research sites throughout Iowa. They work with farmers, stakeholders, and Extension specialists across the region to examine ways to increase adoption of conservation practices and provide opportunities for people to learn more about these practices.

Helmers and his team are using eight drainage water quality research facilities in the Upper Midwest to examine the impacts of 4R nitrogen management on crop yield, greenhouse gas emissions, drainage water quality, and soil health.

This project, called Nutri-Net, is a prime example of how a knowledge gap identified by the industry is being met by the academic community. Speaking of the project, Helmers said, “I think [Nutri-Net] is a great example of needs that the industry identified working with the academic community to develop research projects that can immediately answer some of those questions.”

The Nutri-Net project was born from the 4R Fund Technical Advisory Committee’s review of the first round of funding, and it became apparent that there were limited studies looking at nitrate leaching, greenhouse gas emissions, and crop yield. The committee, knowing there were multiple water quality drainage research facilities across the Midwest, posed the question of what could be studied.

“The industry engaged the academic community, and said, ‘Can you help us address some of these research gaps?’” Helmers said. “So, the academic community came together, looked at the facilities that we have and what type of research project could we put together in a comprehensive way to help address some of these questions.”

The academic community in the Midwest developed a project proposal for Nutri-Net, which ultimately received funding from the 4R Research Fund and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research.

“I don’t think that if the academic community had just sat in a room and discussed issues we want to address that we have as comprehensive a project as we have now,” Helmers said. “Nutri-Net is addressing the needs of the industry, looking at the metrics we need to collect, looking at the type of treatments that we need to have done. And the results we have are directly applicable to producers throughout the Midwest. By having that partnership, we were able to develop a research project that fills the gaps and will provide important information for growers throughout the Midwest.”

The results from this type of research, combined with continued progress in precision agriculture that aligns with 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles, provides unlimited potential to improve soil and crop performance.

“I think the, 4R Research Fund has really provided important resources to help address important challenges that are being faced by producers throughout the Midwest and really across the nation and Canada,” Helmers added. “I think this has been a great opportunity for many researchers to be involved with projects that are directly relevant to producers.”

The State of Fertilizer Sustainability

In the past few months, we’ve seen the business community make some major announcements regarding their role in combating large societal challenges. Larry Fink, CEO of the investment firm BlackRock, acknowledged that climate change is “driving a profound reassessment of risk,” and therefore they plan to realign a significant portion of their capital to match their investors’ values.

Energy giant BP announced last week that they seek to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 on not just their operations, but also on the upstream use of their products.

Now, these two companies (and several others like them) might not be who most of us turn toward to solve environmental challenges. Historically, that has fallen to NGOs, government, and academia. However, we live in a changing world that’s being turned on its head.

In January, the public relations firm Edelman released the 2020 Edelman Trust Barometer, which tracks the trends that influence and reflect people’s trust in the four major societal institutions: government, business, media and NGOs. This year’s report revealed that none of these four institutions is trusted by the public, which stems from our fear of the future and the role these institutions play in it.

It’s a wake-up call that maybe BlackRock and BP are listening to and one TFI is heeding as well.

Last month, TFI released it’s fifth State of the Fertilizer Industry Report – or unofficially the industry’s sustainability report. The report has been tracking industry performance on various environmental, social, and economic indicators for five years. And I’m pleased to say the industry is making progress!

Some of the highlights include:

  • The industry is more than twice as safe as industry peers when compared to benchmark data from the Department of Labor.
  • The fertilizer industry delivers more than $130 billion in economic impact in the United States.
  • Total energy use per nutrient ton of fertilizer produced decreased 3 percent from the prior year.
  • The industry captured more than 4.5 times the greenhouse gas emissions that were captured in 2013. These captured emissions were then used for other industrial purposes.
  • Nitrogen producers are using half the amount of water per nutrient ton produced than they did in 2013.

The report showcases data on all segments of the fertilizer industry from fertilizer use on the farm, the impact on people and communities, energy and environment, and transportation. For the first time this year, TFI is able to report that nearly 6 million tons of recycled materials were used in the production fertilizer.

And while the report contains more data, there’s still much work to be done to make progress on these metrics. Last year, TFI’s Board of Directors approved a new organization strategic plan. And in a sign that this industry also “gets it,” one of the three pillars of the plan is a commitment to the environment.

The board identified their commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of the production and use of fertilizer. And building on the successes highlighted through five years of reporting, the industry will continue to invest in more efficient production facilities that use less water and energy while emitting fewer GHGs.

On the use side, the industry continues to expand the reach of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship initiative. This past year the state of Florida implemented the 4R Certification program, which certifies fertilizer retailers and crop consultants – those who apply or make fertilizer recommendations – are following business practices in accordance with 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles. Similar efforts are underway in a number of other states. All of which helps to significantly reduce and prevent fertilizer from running off fields into the water supply.

The TFI staff have also been working diligently over the past several years to quantify the benefits of 4R practice implementation on the farm. And I’m excited to say that we’re making progress on this front as well. We know that cost is an important consideration for farmers when thinking about any practice change. To answer these questions, we have developed a host of case studies showcasing how farmers across the United States have seen costs go down, yield go up, and environmental impact lessened through using 4R-based practices. You can learn more at 4Rfarming.org.

The fertilizer industry employs more than 103,000 people in the United States. To capture their work and impact, the State of the Industry Report features interviews with employees across the value chain, including those who partner with the industry on research and stewardship initiatives. Take a listen and hear from the industry in their own voice.

Please head to the TFI website at fertilizerreport.org to learn all about how the fertilizer industry is contributing to a more sustainable future.

Ecosystem Services Market Consortium and The Fertilizer Institute Launch Pilot

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2020 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC) announced today at Commodity Classic plans to test improved nutrient stewardship as a means of increasing farmer profitability through the ecosystem services market being developed by the ESMC. This pilot project will test the ESMC’s protocols and data intake procedures and other program aspects while TFI will identify potential buyers for the ecosystem service impact credits generated.

The Fertilizer Institute will work with farmers enrolled in their 4R Advocate Program in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and South Dakota. TFI’s 4R Advocate Program links nutrient stewardship, including precision agriculture and variable rate application, to farm profitability and has collected production data, including fertilizer applications, from participating producers for four years.

4R Nutrient Stewardship principles incorporate the right source, right rate, right time, and right placement of fertilizer and are a proven framework that helps American farmers increase production and profitability while enhancing environmental protection and improving sustainability.

ESMC’s science-based, outcomes-based protocols and program generates credits for soil carbon (C), net GHG, water quality and water use efficiency. The collaborative effort with TFI will enable ESMC to secure producer intake data information to establish baseline attributes and to quantify impact changes over time; to capture, store and manage data required for ESMC asset generation; and to evaluate strengths and gaps in meeting corporate reporting needs and requirements for GHG and water risk, water quality, and water use efficiency.

“This pilot presents TFI and its members with an opportunity to prove the financial cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. By overlaying the ESMC platform currently under development to generate ecosystem services impact credits with TFI’s existing 4R tracking of nutrient stewardship and profitability, the pilot is intended to show a significant correlation between these goals.

“This landmark-setting pilot is an example of industry collaboration coming together to resolve our thorniest environmental challenges with common sense market-based solutions to reward producers,” said Debbie Reed, Executive Director of the ESMC. ESMC is launching several more pilots this winter and spring in the Midwestern corn and soy region, focusing on row crop and grain production systems. The ESMC is building a national-scale ecosystem services market designed and conceived for the agricultural sector. It plans a 2022 full market launch of its Ecosystem Services Market. ESMC seeks to enroll 30 percent of available working lands in the top four crop regions and top four pasture regions to impact 250 million acres by 2030.

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About the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium

The Ecosystem Services Market Consortium LLC was formed in May 2019 and is a subsidiary of the Soil Health Institute. ESMC’s mission is to advance ecosystem service markets that incentivize farmers and ranchers to improve soil health systems that benefit society. ESMC LLC is a member-based organization launching a national scale ecosystem services market for agriculture to recognize and reward farmers and ranchers for their environmental services to society. ESMC members represent the spectrum of the agricultural sector supply chain with whom we are scaling sustainable agricultural sector outcomes, including increased soil carbon, reduced net greenhouse gases, and improved water quality and water use conservation. (www.ecosystemservicesmarket.org)

ESMC Founding Circle members include: ADM; Bunge; Cargill; Corteva Agriscience; Danone North America; General Mills; Land O’Lakes Inc.; McDonald’s USA; National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; Nestle; Noble Research Institute, LLC; Nutrien; The Nature Conservancy; the Soil Health Institute; and Syngenta. ESMC Legacy Partner members include: Almond Board of California; American Farm Bureau Federation; American Farmland Trust; American Soybean Association; Anuvia Plant Nutrients; Arizona State University; Arva Intelligence; Bayer; the Conservation Technology Information Center; Farm Foundation; Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture; Impact Ag Partners; K-Coe Isom; Mars, Inc.; National Association of Conservation Districts; National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; National Corn Growers Association; National Farmers Union; NativeEnergy; Newtrient, LLC; OpenTEAM; Pivot Bio; Sand County Foundation; Soil Health Partnership; The Fertilizer Institute; Tatanka Resources; the Tri-Societies; Tyson Foods and World Wildlife Fund. Partners pledge financial support and active participation to establish private ecosystem service markets for agriculture and to improve ways to measure, verify and monetize increases in soil carbon, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, improved water quality and increased water conservation. ESMC welcomes companies, nonprofit and conservation organizations and agricultural organizations as partners. 

About The Fertilizer Institute
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.

The Fertilizer Institute Applauds USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda, Seeks to Gain Government Commitment to Fund 4R-Related Research

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2020 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) announced its support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Agriculture Innovation Agenda,” which the agency bills as a “solution for farmers, consumers, and the environment.” TFI will continue working with USDA to find practical solutions to increasing the adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices among farmers. 4R principles incorporate the right source, right rate, right time, and right placement of fertilizer and are a proven framework that helps American farmers increase production and profitability while enhancing environmental protection and improving sustainability.

“I applaud Secretary Perdue and the team at USDA for their commitment to sustainable agriculture, and TFI fully supports this new initiative,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “The Fertilizer Institute has long promoted similar goals, including 4R Nutrient Stewardship, and I look forward to future cooperation with the department as we work toward advancing these shared objectives to benefit American agriculture.”

TFI and its members are committed to being part of the solution when it comes to innovation and sustainability in agriculture. TFI members are well-positioned to work with farmers in areas such as technical assistance and writing and implementing nutrient management plans based on the 4Rs. 

Through the 4R Research Fund, TFI is also committed to measuring the outcomes of 4R practices. The 4R Research Fund has led to $17.2 million in research efforts through private and public collaborations. The Agriculture Innovation Agenda presents an excellent opportunity to leverage private sector funds with public sector research dollars to quantify the environmental benefits of implementing suites of 4R practices on the farm. In fact, the 2018 Farm Bill designated 4R-based research as a high-priority research area.  

In addition, USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda is based on a report by the National Academies, “Science Breakthroughs to Advance Food and Agricultural Research – 2030,” which identifies research needs compatible with the 4Rs.

Finally, improvements in data collection by USDA would enable a better understanding of how cropping system management decisions interact with environmental properties or conservation practices. The inclusion of data that focuses on management, however, could be improved to account for nutrient management strategies such as fertilizer source, rate, time, and 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.