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Letter to Minister Bibeau re: Federal Recognition of 4R Nutrient Stewardship
Jun 28, 2021
June 28, 2021
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
1341 Baseline Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0C5
Re: Federal Recognition of 4R Nutrient Stewardship
Dear Minister Bibeau,
The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) is an Accredited Farm Organization representing the interests of over 4,000 farm families in Ontario who are called to the vocation of farming. CFFO policy promotes economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable farming, advocating that farmers receive fair return for their production and stewardship efforts.
I am writing on behalf of the CFFO to offer strong support regarding Fertilizer Canada’s request for formal federal recognition of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program. Our organization has been committed to the tenets of 4R Nutrient Stewardship since its introduction in Ontario.
CFFO has been actively involved with Ontario’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship Steering Committee since it began in 2015, and we joined several other stakeholders in a 2018 agreement with Fertilizer Canada to support the implementation of the initiative in the province. We have also spearheaded an online tool for selecting Best Management Practices (BMPs), called Resilient Fields, which highlights information based on the 4Rs. Needless to say, we believe this program is a necessary, proactive approach toward promoting agricultural sustainability in Ontario.
4R Nutrient Stewardship is an industry-led, science-based program that provides farmers with the information they need to lose fewer nutrients and save more money. It is exactly the sound science base needed to support agricultural producers in their environmental and business goals. Federal recognition is an important stepping stone in advancing increased adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship, which will position Canadian agriculture as a leader in environmental stewardship and production efficiency.
Please accept this letter as formal support for Fertilizer Canada’s proposed partnership with the federal government to improve nutrient management in Canada. We look forward to your positive response and the opportunity to participate in this important endeavour.
Sincerely,
Ed Scharringa, President
Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario