Harper Government Invests in Research for Canada's Fertilizer Industry

News Release

March 27, 2015 – Maxville, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today an investment of $1.1 million to the Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI). The investment will facilitate research and development to improve the efficient use of fertilizer, while reducing the environmental impacts and input costs, and creating competitive advantages for producers through improved crop production.

It will also enable the Institute to build on its successful 4R Nutrient Stewardship research network. A cross-Canada research network involving scientists from 11 universities and research institutes will collaborate on a three-year research project to develop and test best management practices and support systems for fertilizer use tailored to Canadian soils, climates and cropping systems.

Quick Facts

The Canadian fertilizer industry contributes over $12 billion annually to the Canadian economy and is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of fertilizer. Canada supplies approximately 12 per cent of the world's fertilizer materials and is the largest exporter of potash and elemental sulfur.
The CFI, located in Ontario, is a not-for profit industry organization that represents manufacturers and wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate and potash fertilizers. As the unified voice of the Canadian fertilizer industry, the CFI promotes safe, responsible, and sustainable, globally competitive fertilizer production, distribution and use.
This investment is being made through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698 million initiative under Growing Forward 2.

Quotes

"The fertilizer industry is an important part of our growing economy. Investing in research to improve the efficiency of fertilizer use will help boost competitiveness and create new global market opportunities for Canadian farmers and improve their environmental sustainability."
- Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux

"Famers need the latest soil science to meet growing global demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel. The results from this research will demonstrate to environmentalists, the food industry and the Canadian public that 4R Nutrient Stewardship is good for the farm economy and the environment."
- Clyde Graham, Acting President, CFI

Additional Links

Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
AgriInnovation Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
Canadian Fertilizer Institute
4R Nutrient Stewardship

Media Contacts

Emily Hogeveen
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada

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Harper Government Invests in Research for Canada's Fertilizer Industry

News Release

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