All Ontario agri-retailers are asked to share their feedback on the proposed Ontario 4R Certification Standards before Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018.

The proposed Standards may require alterations to current practices. Fertilizer Canada wants to be sure these changes are feasible while continuing to optimize nutrient availability and reduce nutrient loss to achieve long-term improvement of the Great Lakes water quality.
This new, voluntary 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program encourages agricultural retailers, service providers and other certified professionals to adopt proven best practices through the 4Rs, which refers to using the Right Source of nutrients at the Right Rate and Right Time in the Right Place.

This approach provides a science-based framework for plant nutrition management and sustained crop production, while considering the specific needs of individual farmers. As regulations are being considered, it is critical that agri-retailers and their grower customers adopt best practices to realize long-term improvements.

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program outlines 37 criteria to be audited. Each criterion will be re-evaluated on a two-year cycle by a third-party auditor, via an in-person or desk audit, to maintain certification. The proposed Ontario 4R Certification Standards sets requirements relating to:

• Training
• Recommendations
• Application
• Documentation

Click here to view the full draft document outlining the proposed standards. All feedback must be submitted in writing by Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018.

Feedback can be submitted to:

McKenzie Smith
Audit Coordinator
Fertilizer Canada
350 Sparks St. Suite 907, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7S8
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T: 613-786-3044 | M: 613-793-8387