Fertilizer

Member Alert: Update on CAAR’s Equivalency Certificate and Temporary Certificate

*Note: this article contains the most up to date information on CAAR’s Equivalency and Temporary Certificates regarding the B620/622 changes. In the case of discrepancy, please disregard previous information.

Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers (CAAR) has received a revised Equivalency Certificate (SH11960.1) and a revised Temporary Certificate (TH 0653.1) to provide compliance relief on the hydrostatic testing requirements on nurse tanks.

NH3 Update: Hydrostatic Testing Relief Granted for Spring 2018

Transport Canada has agreed to provide agri-retailers time to complete hydrostatic testing, which will ensure adequate anhydrous ammonia resources for farmers this spring. The Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers (CAAR) has been granted a Temporary Certificate TH 0653 for the 2018 spring seeding season, which will allow members relief for the hydrostatic testing requirements on three year tanks as required by the CSA B620-14. 

Fertilizer Canada Launches 45-Day Comment Period on CAN Security Code of Practice

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) is a mixture of ammonium nitrate and calcium (in the form of limestone or dolomite) and is an effective fertilizer in providing the nitrogen required to grow healthy and abundant crops.  However, there is concern that agricultural CAN may increasingly become a target for criminal misuse as a replacement for Ammonium Nitrate in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Sulphur Markets Will Remain in Oversupply

Long term prices are expected to firm from current lows, but oversupply and stock drawdowns will smooth price increases.Vancouver fob prices are expected to firm as the decline of gas-based sulphur production, combined with a recovery in Chinese sulphur demand, is expected to support stronger prices from the region.

B620 Advocacy Update

Last week, CAAR had the opportunity to present on behalf of the anhydrous ammonia industry to members of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B620 committee, regarding several concerns with amendments included in the 2014 versions of both the B620 and B622 standards that were identified by CAAR in January 2016.

Member Alert: MB Winter Nutrient Restriction Ends April 11

Based on generally unfavourable weather and snow cover conditions in Manitoba, the restriction on winter application of nitrogen and phosphorus-containing nutrient sources in Manitoba remains in effect until midnight on Sunday, April 10, 2016, and will be lifted beginning on April 11.