National Farmers Union-Ontario and Grain Farmers of Ontario Build an Agricultural Bridge
The National Farmers Union – Ontario (NFU-O) applauds the Grain Farmers of Ontario’s (GFO) efforts to encourage their members to embrace a formal “4-R” process regarding fertilizer stewardship.
At the recent Grain Farmers March Classic, GFO Chair Mark Brock encouraged delegates to “show our willingness to be good stewards by embracing the formal practice of 4-R fertilizer principles, [which are] the right type of fertilizer, in the right quantity, in the right place at the right time.”NFU-O President Emery Huszka commented, “Environmental stewardship is a great place to build constructive relationships, and implementing the 4-R principles is an important step for farmers who want to improve their production practices.”
Algae blooms in the Great Lakes have caused governments and other interested parties in the USA and Canada to work cooperatively toward managing phosphorous issues. Huszka noted, “While Ontario farms contribute only a small portion of the problem, good farmers are always looking for ways to improve their practices. This sensible approach to improving Great Lakes water quality is a meaningful way for Ontario farmers to fulfill our part of the Ontario reduction strategy and will allow the Minister of Environment to focus on other contamination sources affecting this important issue.”
Farmer-led programs such as 4-R fertilizer principles, conservation authority management programs, and the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) are just a few of the tools available to farmers as they work together to improve food production for all of society. Huszka remarked, “All we ask is for fair economic support to do the right thing while maintaining the integrity and control of our farmland. As farmers, we will work together to support practical and fair approaches. We look forward to other opportunities to help support farm organizations in Ontario where our core NFU-O values are aligned.”
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For more information:
Emery Huszka – president@nfuontario.ca or 519-692-4892
