The Manitoba government has signed a fifth 4R Nutrient Stewardship memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Keystone Agricultural Producers and Fertilizer Canada, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Environmental and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today.
“Every day, Manitoba farmers and agricultural producers work tirelessly to feed the world,” said Kostyshyn. “This tri-partner agreement represents our collaborative commitment to a sustainable use of nutrients that maximizes fertilizer performance while minimizing effects on the environment.”
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place) is a science-based framework for nutrient management practices that improve agricultural productivity while mitigating risks to the environment. Established by Fertilizer Canada, the framework’s principles optimize the source, rate, timing and placement of fertilizer to maximize crop uptake and reduce adverse impacts to the air, soil and water.
The framework is a highly adaptable tool that can be customized to fit a farm’s specific climatic, soil, landscape, cropping and operational conditions, added Kostyshyn.
“The 4R approach aligns with our government’s objectives to take meaningful climate action that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and safeguards the health of our province’s waterways,” said Moyes. “By working co-operatively with industry partners, we can achieve a mutually beneficial balance of agricultural production and environmental, economic and social sustainability.”
The new MOU will be valid through Dec. 31, 2030.
“The renewal of this MOU demonstrates the long-standing joint commitment by government, industry and producers to continuous improvement and the expansion and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship’s sustainable on-farm practice,” said Jill Verwey, president, Keystone Agricultural Producers. “Whether it’s soil testing, banding or variable rate, the commitment to enhance the acres in Manitoba where 4R practices are utilized will continue to enable Manitoba producers to do their part in maintaining the healthy soil that our livelihoods depend on.”
“We are pleased to see the renewal of the MOU with the government of Manitoba and the Keystone Agricultural Producers, reflecting the strong commitment to increase fertilizer efficiency through 4R Nutrient Stewardship,” said Karen Proud, president and CEO, Fertilizer Canada. “We look forward to continuing to work together to bolster economic and environmental benefits to farmers and the wider community.”
The 4R MOU implementation committee, which includes staff from Manitoba Agriculture and Manitoba Environment and Climate Change, will continue its work supporting farmers and agricultural producers to adopt and refine sustainable solutions, noted Moyes.
(Government of Manitoba news release)
