Fertilizer Canada, the Government of Manitoba, and Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) have renewed their partnership to promote 4R Nutrient Stewardship.

The three-year agreement restates support for 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source at the Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place). The science-based nutrient management framework is universally adaptable yet locally-focused, allowing growers to tailor fertilizer needs to their specific crops and fields, improving profitability while reducing nutrient losses to the environment.

“We are thrilled by this renewed commitment by the Government of Manitoba and Keystone Agricultural Producers Inc. to encourage the implementation of sustainable agriculture practices,” said Garth Whyte, President and CEO, Fertilizer Canada. “This support represents a significant contribution toward sustainable farming in Canada and is a big step forward in our goal to capture 20 million acres under the 4Rs by 2020.”

The 4R framework recognizes that BMPs must be customized to fit each farm’s unique combination of climatic, soil, landscape, cropping and operational conditions.

“Farmers in Manitoba are utilizing 4R Nutrient Stewardship through Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Designation program to improve agricultural productivity and minimize impact on the environment,” said Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler. “The agriculture sector is proud to reconfirm our commitment to sustainable farming over the next three years through this partnership.”

4R Designation is a national program that allows Manitoba agri-retailers to formalize their commitment to 4R Nutrient Stewardship as a way to promote their expertise to their grower customers. Additionally, the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework affords growers an opportunity to reduce their on-farm greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35 per cent, through the 4R Climate Smart Protocol.

“Farmers want to protect the environment and protect the bottom line of their operations, and this nutrient management program can help them do both,” said KAP President Bill Campbell. “Application using the 4Rs maximizes fertilizer performance and minimizes its effect on the environment.”