By Alice McFarlane

Promoting 4R practices to farmers

Jul 10, 2025 | 10:46 AM

Properly managed fertilizers support cropping systems that provide many benefits for Alberta farmers.

4R Nutrient Stewardship helps farmers increase plant growth and yields by using the right source, at the right rate and right time, in the right place.

Fertilizer Canada and Alberta Grains have developed a 4R memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines how Agriculture and Irrigation, the agriculture industry and farmers can work together to boost data collection and communication to increase 4R practice adoption levels.

The MOU, a three-year agreement, was signed by Agriculture and Irrigation, Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Grains and Fertilizer Canada. The MOU will help farmers adopt science-based nutrient stewardship practices in Alberta. It also tells the world that food is grown in an environmentally sustainable way.

The objectives of the MOU are to improve production and environmental stewardship through greater awareness of 4R practices and principles. It also aims to to pursue common priorities related to soil health/quality and nutrient management, and to support the Alberta government’s commitments to the crop industry’s sustainable growth.

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Alberta Barley chair Scott Jespersen said the MOU helps build on strengthening the tools and metrics used to measure progress.

“As a farmer, I’m always looking for ways to make the most efficient use of my inputs and improve the overall viability of my operation. Alberta farmers are already leading the way in responsible fertilizer use,” Jespersen said. “This commitment is a great example of industry and government working together to support practical tools that benefit farmers in the field that allow us to better demonstrate our stewardship to domestic and global.”

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com