continued on page 8 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SUSTAINABILITY 7 Efficient nutrient management is an economic, environmental, and personal priority for northern Ontario grain farmer Jason Seed. The District 15 director for Grain Farmers of Ontario believes science-based management approaches and tools, such as the AgriSuite tool from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA), that promote sustainability are good for his family, for his bottom line, and for Ontario’s environment image. Seed works closely with experts at Coop Regionale de Nipissing- Sudbury’s office in Thornloe to create a nutrient management plan suited for his family farm. And with sustainability in mind, Seed is enthused about the co-op’s efforts to achieve 4R Nutrient Stewardship program certification, to give his farm’s stewardship plan an even stronger foundation. The program, which received its third renewal in Ontario in January, has grown steadily since its inception in 2018. It now involves almost 40 agricultural retailers and 75 certified crop advisors who certify 1.5 million acres of farmland in Ontario for having sound stewardship management. With fertilizer prices skyrocketing and farming practices under increasing scrutiny, Seed believes the 4R program is now poised to attract more producers. “The drive for sustainability is here to stay,” says Seed, who consults on his nutrient management plan with local agronomist and crop specialist Tanja Seed at the coop. “Most farmers are already involved in some 4R practices, and this evidence-based program gives our management decisions even more rigour, credibility, and a firm foundation.” Adds agronomist Tanja: “We want to be involved in the certification program, to be able to pass on more knowledge and support to our customers.” 4R certification is a voluntary program that evaluates Ontario agricultural retailers and nutrient service providers on sustainable 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. Not all retailers are certified – only those who go through a certification process. Retailer practices are evaluated every two years through a private third-party audit by the Agri-Chemical Warehouse Standards Association that analyzes the four pillars of accreditation: training and education of staff, nutrient recommendations, nutrient application, and documentation. Marty Vermey, senior agronomist with Grain Farmers of Ontario, says the only way acres get certified is through a certified retailer. A certification program ensures customers can access recommendations from experienced nutrient service providers rooted in the 4Rs. “4R certified retailers are trusted advisors of both 4R knowledge and sustainable practices,” says Vermey. “When growers work with 4R certified retailers, they should know they are getting the most up-to-date information about responsible nutrient stewardship as certified dealers are required to maintain their 4R knowledge with continuing education as part of their accreditation.” The program is built on four principles for optimal fertilizer application, which are well known to Ontario grain farmers: Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place. Vermey says these principles help growers apply nutrients more efficiently, supporting strong crop performance while minimizing nutrient losses to the environment. NEW YEAR, RENEWED AGREEMENT In January, Grain Farmers of Ontario, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, Fertilizer Canada, the Ontario Agri Business Association, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and OMAFA renewed a memorandum of cooperation for the 4R Stewardship program. Through the memorandum, Fertilizer Canada says the involved parties will advance the implementation and adaptation of the 4R program in Ontario in collaboration with 4R certified retailers. “This effort supports farmers in completing 4R Nutrient Stewardship Management Plans and ensures the delivery of 4R-aligned agronomic advice,” it says. Crosby Devitt, CEO of Grain Farmers of Ontario, calls the agreement a “powerful example” of what can be achieved when farmers, industry, and government work together. In the big picture, he says 4R program collaboration improves soil health, protects water quality, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions in support of climate-smart agriculture. “The program’s renewal reflects our continued commitment to nutrient management practices that protect the environment while supporting productive, resilient grain farms across Ontario,” he says. “It’s a very creative, novel approach, involving all stakeholders. Jason Seed and son Elliott speak with agronomist Tanja Seed at Coop Regionale de Nipissing- Sudbury’s outlet in Thornloe.
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