FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2019
OTTAWA, ON – Fertilizer Canada looks forward to working closely with the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Minister of International Development to advance 4R Nutrient Stewardship as a global standard for sustainable agriculture.
The association would like to welcome The Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau as the new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and The Hon. Maryam Monsef as the new Minister of International Development.
When managed responsibly through 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place®), fertilizer is a crucial input that allows Canadian farmers to increase yields and profitability while minimizing environmental impacts. As the backbone of agriculture, the Canadian fertilizer industry shares common goals and issues with the agri-food sector.
“Fertilizer Canada has agreements with six Canadian provinces endorsing 4R Nutrient Stewardship that provide growers with access to sustainable farming solutions,” said Garth Whyte, President and CEO. “We look forward to working with Minister Bibeau on a federal agreement that advances the framework to all Canadian growers.”
The association appreciates the partnership the industry has received from former Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay, who spoke often of his interest in fertilizer and 4R Nutrient Stewardship.
“Fertilizer Canada would like to thank the Minister for his enthusiasm for the Canadian fertilizer industry and his commitment to strengthening agriculture,” said Whyte. “As a farmer, Minister MacAulay understood the importance of responsible fertilizer use as the foundation of profitable and sustainable agriculture.”
Outside of Canada, Fertilizer Canada is focused on creating a better future for sustainable agriculture globally. Our association supports international development by improving access to climate-smart and sustainable 4R practices for smallholder farmers with a focus on women. Through Memorandums of Understanding with both the Cooperative Development Foundation of Canada and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, Fertilizer Canada is improving food security and sustainable agriculture in developing countries.
Fertilizer Canada welcomes the opportunity to develop a relationship with Minister Monsef to make progress towards these international goals.
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Fertilizer Canada represents manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilizers. The fertilizer industry plays an essential role in Canada’s economy, contributing $23 billion annually and over 76,000 jobs. The association is committed to supporting the fertilizer industry with innovative research and programming while advocating sustainability, stewardship, safety and security through standards and Codes of Practice. Please visit fertilizercanada.ca.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly McCarthy
Manager, Communications
[email protected]
613-786-3035
