AGRIS Co-operative earns 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification in Ontario and Canada

The voluntary programme certifies nutrient service providers in the Western Lake Erie Basin and across Ontario that apply or make recommendations on fertilizers in accordance with 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles, which refers to using the 'right source of nutrients at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place'. Programme participants must go through an independent, third-party audit of 37 standards to demonstrate they understand and follow 4R principles.

“We are committed as a co-operative to the 4R Nutrient Stewardship programme and very honoured to be only one of two retailers in Canada to achieve certified status,” says John Nooyen, AGRIS Co-operative board president. “Our board of directors unanimously adopted and supports the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Programme and we proudly display our own AGRIS 4R Nutrient Stewardship Pledge at each of our locations. Now that Cottam has achieved certified status, we are planning to have the rest of our locations certified too,” added Nooyen. 

“Becoming 4R certified was a way for us to provide added value to our grower customers,” said Alex Michinski, Essex area manager with AGRIS Co-operative. “Because the programme gives us the tools to provide growers with 4R 'best management practices' they can be confident in,” he added.

In 2017, Co-operative was presented with the 'Environmental Respect Award' from DuPont, which recognises environmental stewardship and sustainability through employee training, education, product safety, waste minimisation and emergency response readiness. In 2016 AGRIS Co-operative was presented with the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Ag Retailer of the year award by the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers. This award recognises AGRIS Co-operative’s Canadian leadership in adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship, 'right source, right rate, right time and right place.'

Also, in 2016 AGRIS Co-operative crop sales specialist Chris Snip, received the GROWMARK System’s 'Endure 4R Advocate Award.' This award recognises crop sales specialists for their work with farmers, using the 4R’s approach to nutrient stewardship, assisting growers with fertilizer management and implementing a nitrogen monitoring programme.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/special-reports/01042019/agris-co-operative-earns-4r-nutrient-stewardship-certification-in-ontario-and-canada/