New Canadian Field Crop Cluster Project Furthers Verification of 4R BMPs for Growers

OTTAWA, Jan. 23, 2019 /CNW/ - Canadian corn growers will have improved access to verified 4R Nutrient Stewardship best management practices (BMPs), leading to advanced economic performance and environmental stewardship, following research from a new corn project announced today.

The Cross-Canada Agronomic and Environmental Benefit of Advanced 4R Nitrogen Management of Corn research activity, part of the new corn project led by the Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance, will build upon the research of Canadian 4R Research Network researcher, Mario Tenuta. Tenuta's research aims to further verify 4R Nutrient Stewardship BMPs by increasing the use efficiency of nitrogen to reduce environmental losses and greenhouse gasses without negatively impacting a grower's yields or bottom line. 

"Fertilizer Canada is committed to continuing the scientific research of 4R Nutrient Stewardship to improve BMPs for Canadian growers in all crop regions," said Clyde Graham, Executive Vice President. "These recommendations improve confidence for Canadian growers who are facing increasing pressure to boost yields for export while contributing to national climate change goals."

Fertilizer Canada's contribution of $100,000 over three years strengthens the research behind 4R Nutrient Stewardship to create better opportunities for growers to contribute to Canada's climate commitments under the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and Paris agreements, and national agricultural export priorities from the Advisory Council on Economic Growth. Following the renewal of the North American 4R Research Fund in 2018, Fertilizer Canada has contributed to the more than $11.8 million invested in 4R research to date.

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.

The Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance (CFCRA) is a not-for-profit entity founded in 2010 with an interest in advancing the genetic capacity of field crops in Canada, particularly barley, corn, oats, soybeans and wheat. The CFCRA is a national collaboration comprised of provincial producer organizations and industry partners, including: Atlantic Grains Council; Producteurs de grains du Quebec; Grain Farmers of Ontario; Manitoba Corn Growers Association; Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers; Saskatchewan Pulse Growers; Prairie Oat Growers Association; SeCan; and FP Genetics.

SOURCE Fertilizer Canada