Partnership Aims to Improve Food Security and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries

A new partnership between the Canadian Co-operative Association and Fertilizer Canada seeks to support small-holder farmers in developing countries by incorporating the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program, a science-based fertilizer management system. The initiative aims to achieve key United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on food security and inclusive growth. By combining the expertise of Canada's co-operative sector with the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program, the partnership aims to improve the lives of farmers, particularly women, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Takeaways:

• The partnership between the Canadian Co-operative Association and Fertilizer Canada will support small-holder farmers in developing countries through the incorporation of 4R Nutrient Stewardship.
• The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program is a science-based fertilizer management system that promotes balanced nutrient management decisions for economic, social, and environmental goals.
• The partnership aims to achieve key United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, including food security and inclusive growth.
• Research has shown improved agricultural productivity and the importance of appropriate fertilizer application to ensure soil optimization for plant growth and nutrition.
• The 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework is not restricted by environmental conditions, making it applicable to small-holder farms in developing countries.
• The Canadian Co-operative Association is a not-for-profit co-operative with a network of 9,000 co-operatives, total assets of over CAD 415 billion, and 187,000 employees.
• Fertilizer Canada represents manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash, and sulphur fertilizers, contributing over $12 billion annually and 12,000 jobs to Canada's economy.

Statistics:

• Over 9,000 co-operatives in Canada, with total assets of over CAD 415 billion and 187,000 employees (Canadian Co-operative Association reference).
• The fertilizer industry contributes over $12 billion annually and 12,000 jobs to Canada's economy (Fertilizer Canada reference).
• The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program promotes balanced nutrient management decisions for economic, social, and environmental goals.
• Small-holder farmers in developing countries can benefit from improved agricultural productivity and sustainable agricultural practices through the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program.

Sources:

• Fertilizer Canada
• Canadian Co-operative Association
• Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada