FREDERICTON, Nov. 20, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, the New Brunswick Soil and Crop Improvement Association (NBSCIA) signed a 4R Nutrient Stewardship Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI). Endorsed by the government of New Brunswick, the agreement focuses on environmental action and agricultural sustainability with improved fertilizer use by implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship demonstration farms across the province.
The goal of the program is simple—helping to ensure producers apply fertilizer using the right source, right rate, right time and right place methodology. Managing crop nutrients properly offers both economic and environmental benefits to producers and to the rest of society.
"Through the efficient use of fertilizers, we can reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture and maximize the quality of the soil," explains Clyde Graham, Acting President at CFI. "The NBSCIA has played a leadership role in promoting environmental stewardship for farmers. We look forward to working in partnership to support the adoption of sustainable 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices in the province."
The partnership recognizes the important role that trained professionals and farmers play in succeeding with 4R adoption on New Brunswick farmland and have committed to:
"The NBSCIA is focused on ensuring the enhancement of soil and crop sustainability in the province," says Garnet Donnelly, President of NBSCIA. "For us, the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program contributes to this goal. It takes a proactive approach to nutrient application that makes sense to growers and the in-field demonstrations are the most effective way to let them see how it works."
The results of 4R demonstration farms on the neighbouring soils of Prince Edward Island have proven that producers, consumers and the environment benefit when new practices, such as 4R Nutrient Stewardship, make sure nutrients are staying where they are placed. "On our farm, we want to ensure profitability and see improved return on investments while taking into account the health of our soils. The 4R framework is able to provide us with a system for making that happen while demonstrating that our farm operation is sustainable," explains Gordon Waugh, a PEI grower who participated in the announcement.
More information about fertilizer best management practices and implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship can be found online at Farming4RFuture.ca
The Canadian Fertilizer Institute is an industry association representing manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilizers. Our mission is to be the unified voice of the Canadian fertilizer industry by promoting the responsible, sustainable and safe production, distribution and use of fertilizers. Our industry employs 12,000 Canadians and contributes $12 billion annually to Canada's economy. Our products contribute to the supply of safe, nutritious food in Canada and around the world.
The New Brunswick Soil & Crop Improvement Association (NBSCIA) is comprised of a diverse group of producers from around the province who are committed to pioneering and advancing leading soil and crop practices in New Brunswick. We explore new ideas & innovation through research for economic and environmental sustainability. NBSCIA is an organization dedicated to providing leadership in the development, management, and sustainability of soil and crops in New Brunswick.
Image with caption: "Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CNW Group/Canadian Fertilizer Institute)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141120_C3208_PHOTO_EN_8369.jpg
Image with caption: "New Brunswick Soil & Crop Improvement Association (NBSCIA) (CNW Group/Canadian Fertilizer Institute)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141120_C3208_PHOTO_EN_8370.jpg
SOURCE: Canadian Fertilizer Institute
MEDIA CONTACT: Cassandra Cotton, [email protected], (613)786-3029
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