Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is launching a new Sustainability Incentive Program to support crop producers who follow Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship program using AgExpert, a Jan. 10 news release said. The program will encourage producers to adopt 4R best management practices to help protect the environment without compromising competitiveness.
“This program brings together the innovation, science, and expertise growers can leverage to meet the growing demand for food produced in a profitable and sustainable way,” Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO, said in the release. “Streamlining the data management and verification process through AgExpert creates a simple way for producers to implement climate smart agricultural practices and create the best outcomes for their operations.”
To be eligible for the Sustainability Incentive Program an FCC customer with active lending must:
- Have a 4R Nutrient Stewardship plan in place
- During the crop year record production activities, such as fertilizer applications in AgExpert Field
- Have 4R best management practices verified by a 4R designated agronomist within AgExpert Field by the end of the growing season
“Before planting, producers will work with their 4R designated agronomist to plan their crop year and then follow the practices outlined by Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship program throughout the crop cycle,” Curtis Grainger, FCC director of sustainability programs, said in the release. “Using AgExpert, agronomists can verify producers have followed the 4R plan, then following the crop year, producers can use that verification to apply for the Sustainability Incentive Program.”
Producers who are interested in the 4R Sustainability Incentive Program should connect with a 4R agronomist and prepare ahead of the program’s official opening in May 2024.
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