Farm Credit Canada Introduces A New Sustainability Incentive Program

Key Takeaways:

1. Farm Credit Canada (FCC) introduces a new Sustainability Incentive Program to support crop producers following Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship.
2. The program, announced at the Western Canadian Crop Production Show in Saskatoon, aims to encourage environmentally friendly practices without sacrificing competitiveness.
3. The initiative integrates with AgExpert for streamlined data management and verification.
4. Eligibility for the program requires an FCC customer to have an active 4R Nutrient Stewardship plan and verified best management practices.
5. FCC collaborates with various sectors to promote sustainable practices in agriculture and food industries.

Farm Credit Canada Launches New Sustainability Incentive Program for Crop Producers

Program Overview

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is excited to announce its new Sustainability Incentive Program, designed to support crop producers who adopt the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program in conjunction with AgExpert. This initiative was unveiled at the Western Canadian Crop Production Show in Saskatoon, giving producers ample time to participate starting from the 2024 crop year.

Program’s Objectives and Benefits

According to Justine Hendricks, FCC’s president and CEO, the program aims to combine innovation, science, and expertise to meet the increasing demand for sustainably produced food. The initiative rewards FCC customers who follow the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program, using AgExpert for data management and verification. This approach simplifies the implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices and aims to optimize outcomes for producers’ operations.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, an FCC customer with active lending must have a 4R Nutrient Stewardship plan, record production activities in AgExpert Field during the crop year, and verify these practices by a 4R designated agronomist by the end of the growing season.

Implementation Process

Curtis Grainger, FCC’s Director of Sustainability Programs, explains that producers will plan their crop year with a 4R-designated agronomist and follow practices outlined by Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship program. AgExpert allows agronomists to verify adherence to the plan, enabling producers to apply for the Sustainability Incentive Program after the crop year.

4R Nutrient Stewardship Framework

Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship is a framework advocating the right source, rate, time, and place for fertilizer application. These practices help increase production, profitability, and environmental protection. Karen Proud, President and CEO of Fertilizer Canada, emphasizes that integrating these practices into AgExpert and FCC’s incentive program will further encourage sustainable best management practices among producers.

Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Food Industry

This initiative highlights the collaborative efforts of various groups in advancing the Canadian agriculture and food industry. AgExpert, as noted by Hendricks, provides digital agriculture tools and solutions, centralizing information and maximizing data utilization for producers.

Next Steps for Producers

Producers interested in the 4R Sustainability Incentive Program are advised to connect with a 4R agronomist and prepare for the program’s official launch in May 2024.