Glacier FarmMedia – The Manitoba government has signed its fifth memorandum of understanding under the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program.
Manitoba agriculture minister Ron Kostyshyn and Manitoba environment minister Mike Moyes announced the agreement Feb. 13, along with Keystone Agricultural Producers and Fertilizer Canada.
“Every day, Manitoba farmers and agricultural producers work tirelessly to feed the world,” Kostyshyn said in a news release.
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“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 program was created by Fertilizer Canada, which says the intention is to develop a science-based approach to applying fertilizer efficiently and sustainably to benefit both the environment and the farmer’s bottom line.
Fertilizer should be of the right type for the job, applied at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place, it says.
The framework is a flexible tool that can be tailored to match a farm’s unique climate, soil, landscape, crops and operations, Kostyshyn said.
Moyes said the 4R approach supports the provincial government’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the health of Manitoba’s waterways as part of its climate action efforts. Last fall, the province announced nutrient reduction targets for waterways flowing into Lake Winnipeg.
“By working co-operatively with industry partners, we can achieve a mutually beneficial balance of agricultural production and environmental, economic and social sustainability,” Moyes said.
Jill Verwey, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers, said renewal of the memorandum of understanding reflects ongoing collaboration between government, industry and producers to enhance and expand 4R nutrient stewardship adoption.
“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,” she said.
According to Karen Proud, president and chief executive officer of Fertilizer Canada, the MOU reflects a strong commitment to enhancing fertilizer efficiency.
“We look forward to continuing to work together to bolster economic and environmental benefits to farmers and the wider community,” she said.
The new memorandum will remain in effect until the end of 2030.
