The Manitoba government has signed its fifth memorandum of understanding under the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program.
Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced the agreement Feb. 13, along with Keystone Agricultural Producers and Fertilizer Canada.
“Every day, Manitoba farmers and agricultural producers work tirelessly to feed the world,” Kostyshyn said in a press release. “This tri-partner agreement represents our collaborative commitment to a sustainable use of nutrients that maximizes fertilizer performance while minimizing effects on the environment.”
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Why it matters: Fertilizer efficiency adoption and research has garnered considerable federal funds. The federal government has a goal to reduce nitrogen fertilizer emissions by 30 per cent, compared to 2020 levels, by the end of the decade.
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship was created by industry group Fertilizer Canada. The point, industry has said, was to develop a science-based approach to applying fertilizer efficiently and sustainably, to the benefit of both the environment and the farmer’s bottom line. Fertilizer should be of the right type for the job, applied at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place.
The framework is a flexible tool that can be tailored to match a farm’s unique climate, soil, landscape, crops and operations, Kostyshyn said.
Moyes further said that the 4R approach supports the provincial government’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the health of Manitoba’s waterways as part of its climate action efforts. Last fall, the province announced nutrient reduction targets for waterways flowing into Lake Winnipeg.
“By working co-operatively with industry partners, we can achieve a mutually beneficial balance of agricultural production and environmental, economic and social sustainability,” Moyes said.
Jill Verwey, president of the Keystone Agricultural Producers, said the memorandum of understanding’s renewal reflects ongoing collaboration between government, industry and producers to enhance and expand 4R nutrient stewardship adoption.
“Whether it’s soil testing, banding or variable rate, the commitment to enhance the acres in Manitoba where 4R practices are utilized will continue to enable Manitoba producers to do their part in maintaining the healthy soil that our livelihoods depend on,” she said.
According to Karen Proud, president and CEO of Fertilizer Canada, the MOU reflects a strong commitment to enhancing fertilizer efficiency.
“We look forward to continuing to work together to bolster economic and environmental benefits to farmers and the wider community,” she said.
The new memorandum will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2030.
