Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Fertilizer Canada and Alberta Grains have developed a 4R memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines how Agriculture and Irrigation, the agriculture industry and farmers can work together to bolster data collection and communication to increase 4R practice adoption levels. The MOU, a three-year agreement, was signed by Agriculture and Irrigation, Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Grains and Fertilizer Canada.
The objectives of the MOU are to improve production and environmental stewardship through greater awareness of 4R practices and principles. It also aims to establish mechanisms to pursue common objectives and priorities related to soil health/quality and nutrient management, and to support the Alberta government’s commitments to the crop industry’s sustainable growth.
“I’m so happy to announce the government’s MOU with Fertilizer Canada and Alberta Grains, set to increase awareness of 4R principles and practices. The bottom line is that this approach helps producers minimize nutrient losses and supports profitable and sustainable crop production in Alberta while protecting and conserving Alberta’s soil, water and air. Together we can continue to build and support an innovative and thriving agriculture sector.”
Properly managed fertilizers support cropping systems that provide economic, social and environmental benefits for Alberta farmers. This MOU will help farmers adopt science-based nutrient stewardship practices in Alberta. It also tells the world that we grow our food in an environmentally sustainable way.
“This memorandum of understanding reflects a strong, shared commitment to sustainability through 4R Nutrient Stewardship from industry, government and the agriculture sector. We are proud to collaborate with the Government of Alberta and Alberta Grains, who are dedicated and forward-thinking partners to support Alberta farmers and advance both the environmental and economic benefits that 4R practices deliver.”
“As a farmer, I’m always looking for ways to make the most efficient use of my inputs and improve the overall viability of my operation. Alberta farmers are already leading the way in responsible fertilizer use, and this MOU helps build on that by strengthening the tools and metrics we use to continue to measure progress. This commitment is a great example of industry and government working together to support practical tools that benefit farmers in the field that allow us to better demonstrate our stewardship to domestic and global customers who buy Alberta grains and other crops.”
Programs like Alberta’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership On-Farm Efficiency program support producers in meeting 4R nutrient stewardship objectives.
Quick facts
- 4R Nutrient Stewardship, established and championed by Fertilizer Canada, is a science-based suite of best management practices for farmers that optimize nutrient uptake by using the right source of nutrient at the right rate, right time and in the right place.
- Fertilizer Canada has signed 4R memorandum of cooperations with Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, and 4R MOUs with Manitoba and Prince Edward Island.
- According to Fertilizer Canada’s 2024 Fertilizer Use Survey, 65 per cent of farmers in Alberta self-report that they comply with at least a basic level of 4R practices.
- In 2024, 2,152,586 acres in Alberta were reported as 4R.
Related information
- Nutrient Stewardship
- Sustainable CAP On-Farm Efficiency Program