Actions and Impacts
Richardson Pioneer employs over 80 4R-designated agronomists in its Western Canadian network who work with growers to establish tailored plans for on-farm implementation, ~70% of Canadian crop acres operate under the 4R program with an eye on: • Reducing GHG emissions by up to 35% • Reducing phosphorus run-off by up to 60% • Ensuring fertilizer product use on-farm is specific, measured, and appropriate • Increasing profits by up to $87 per acre, when compared to a baseline crop
Nutrient Management Frameworks Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship has been promoted and applied across Canada, under the umbrella of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program and the Agri Innovation Program. With the federal mandate for a 30% reduction in emissions from nitrogen fertilizers by 2030, Richardson stands behind 4R Nutrient Stewardship as the best way to minimize environmental impacts of fertilizer use, without sacrificing crop yields. The proactive efforts of growers have made Canada one the most efficient fertilizer users in the world. This is a good news environmental story that supports global food production and security goals. Richardson is a leader in 4R Nutrient Stewardship: 2022: 3 million 4R-designed acres
2025 goal: 4 million 4R-designated acres
What is 4R Nutrient Stewardship? 4R Nutrient Stewardship is a science-based approach to nutrient management that involves applying the right source of fertilizer at the right rate, right time, and right place. 4R optimizes plant nutrient uptake, increases yield, and maximizes farmer profitability, while achieving verifiable reductions in emissions.
Right Source
Right Rate
Right Time
Right Place
Top scientists, and leading government and industry agronomists, have helped develop a 4R Climate- Smart Protocol which allows for farm specific measuring and reporting of emission reductions, to ensure Canadian farmers are recognized for their individual on-farm reductions in a quantifiable, verifiable way and allows them to produce saleable carbon credits. 4R has been formally recognized by the provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island, and by national farm groups such as the Canola Council of Canada, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, and Grain Growers of Canada. 4R Nutrient Stewardship is also recognized in the Government of Canada Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (SAS), which includes focus areas such as soil health, water, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity.
22 | RICHARDSON INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2022
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