By Catherine King, Director of Public Outreach
What is sustainable agriculture? Sustainability is the latest buzz word, but what does it actually mean? These are questions I consider daily. Whether I am discussing Nutrients for Life programs or initiatives Fertilizer Canada supports, there are always questions about the role fertilizer plays in sustainably feeding 9.6 billion people by 2050.
It is important to effectively communicate Fertilizer Canada’s sustainability programs, including 4R Nutrient Stewardship and the Nitrous Oxide Emission Reduction Protocol, with the public, government, and stakeholders. I believe the first step to accomplishing this goal is forming partnerships and starting conversations with groups who may not have fully recognized the critical role our industry plays.
To help the United Nations reach its Sustainable Development Goals, Fertilizer Canada submitted a response. Answering the call for submissions on this global platform is something new for Fertilizer Canada, though possible through a new partnership between Fertilizer Canada and the Canadian Co-operative Association. Through this partnership, we will help the United Nations to meet its objectives by supporting food security and sustainable growth in developing countries using the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework combined with co-operative business expertise. Fertilizer Canada will highlight the global reach of fertilizer products, and help global leaders understand the lifecycle of our products – from manufacturing to the dinner plate.
Working together with like-minded partners builds the credibility of the industry, a crucial aspect to growing the reputation of the agriculture sector. Fertilizer Canada’s programs will be adopted and more communities will gain an understanding of the critical role plant nutrition plays in human health, building economies, and feeding the world’s growing population.
