Quebec
4R Nutrient Stewardship has been promoted and applied across Canada through a number of provincial and regional programs and initiatives.
The province of Quebec represents a significant opportunity to advance sustainable agriculture in Canada. With over 28,000 farms, the Quebec agri-food sector accounts for one out of eight jobs and contributes significantly to the provincial economy.
A Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) agreement between Fertilizer Canada and the Réseau Végétal Québec (RVQ) enables the implementation of 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place®) in the province, which helps Quebec growers maximize crop yields with minimal environmental impact.
4R Nutrient Stewardship is an internationally recognized best management practice system with four key pillars for fertilizer application: Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place®. This science-based approach helps growers understand how efficient fertilizer application improves profitability while reducing nutrient losses to the environment.
The MOC between Fertilizer Canada and RVQ focuses on implementation of 4R Designation in Québec with the support of 4R trained consulting services to help growers complete 4R Nutrient Stewardship Management Plans and provide 4R consistent technical advice. Fertilizer Canada works closely with RVQ to ensure resources are accessible for the province’s agri-retailers and growers to easily adopt 4R Nutrient Stewardship best practices into their business operations.
This partnership with RVQ helps to contribute to Fertilizer Canada’s goal of capturing acres under 4R Nutrient Stewardship. The adoption of the 4Rs in Quebec help growers increase profitability and practice sustainable agriculture. The 4R framework is a significant contribution to meeting the targets in the government’s recently launched 2018-25 politique bioalimentaire.