The province, Keystone Agricultural Producers and Fertilizer Canada have renewed an agreement to promote 4R Nutrient Stewardship in Manitoba.
“This [memo of understanding] supports and strengthens our government’s objectives in food security and affordability, in addition to environmental performance, with the nutrient stewardship programming developed by Canada’s fertilizer industry,” said Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson in an Oct. 13 news release.
The 4R framework, which encourages farmers to apply nutrients with the right source, right rate, right time and right place, has recently hit the spotlight as agricultural groups pushed the federal government to recognize its ability to reduce emissions from fertilizer.
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However, the province’s agreement with KAP and Fertilizer Canada (formerly the Canadian Fertilizer Institute) goes back to 2013. This is its fourth renewal and will continue through the end of 2024.
Under previous iterations, the partnership has developed training and multi-media resources related to 4R, a 2015 provincial release says.
Fertilizer Canada’s website says it has contributed funding and worked with the Manitoba government over the years to develop e-learning, workshops, learning tools and other resources.
“The number of farmers utilizing these practices continues to grow every year thanks to their commitment to sustainable farming, and through KAP working collaboratively with the Manitoba government and industry partners to promote the science-based 4R principles,” said KAP president Bill Campbell in the October 2022 news release.
