Thompsons is first agri-retailer to earn 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification in Ontario

First to pass rigorous 37 standards set by the program.

The voluntary program 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. 

“As crop advisors, our growers trust us to help them make nutrient management decisions that will maximize the effectiveness of their input investment. 4R Nutrient Stewardship offers a fully-customizable, science-based solution that allows us to be confident in our recommendations,” said Colin Elgie, Agronomy Solutions Specialist with Thompsons Limited.

Complementing an existing program of the same name in Ohio, agri-retailers and farmers from both sides of the border are working in tandem to significantly reduce and prevent nutrient runoff, which has contributed to water quality issues in Lake Erie – while increasing crop productivity. 

Providing customers with proven 4R best management practices

The March 21, 2019 news release from Fertilizer Canada says that Thompsons Limited (Kent Bridge site – March 5, 2019) and AGRIS Co-operative Ltd. (Cottam branch –March 13, 2019) are prepared to provide their grower customers with proven 4R best management practice (BMP) advice to both maximize their customers financial resources and protect their environmental resources for future generations.

It’s the right thing to do–for our environment, customers and generations to come

4R Certified retailers are equipped to provide a value-added service to growers, as 4R Nutrient Stewardship is scientifically-proven to improve yields and economic return while minimizing environmental impacts such as greenhouse gases and losses to water. For example, research funded by the North American 4R Research Fund has shown that growers in Ontario can reduce phosphorus run off by 60 per cent by applying 4R BMPs.

Stakeholders who guide the program

The 4R Certification Program is funded and guided under a 4R Ontario Steering Committee comprised of a diverse set of stakeholders from industry, government, conservation authorities and grower organizations including Fertilizer Canada, the Ontario Agri Business Association (OABA), Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) and Conservation Ontario. 

Thompsons invites you to learn more about 4R Certification, visit 4rcertified.ca. This program is administered by Fertilizer Canada.