Canada to invest in fertilizer research institute

Canadian Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, said on Friday that $1.1 million would be invested in the Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI).

The investment will go toward research and development to improve the use of fertilizers, create competitive advantages for producers, and reduce environmental impacts and input costs. It also will allow the institute to build on its 4R Nutrient Stewardship research network.

"Farmers need the latest soil science to meet growing global demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel,” CFI acting President Clyde Graham said. “The results from this research will demonstrate to environmentalists, the food industry and the Canadian public that 4R Nutrient Stewardship is good for the farm economy and the environment."

The Canadian fertilizer industry contributes more than $12 billion annually to the Canadian economy. Canada supplies approximately 12 percent of the world’s fertilizer materials.

"The fertilizer industry is an important part of our growing economy,” Lemieux said. “Investing in research to improve the efficiency of fertilizer use will help boost competitiveness and create new global market opportunities for Canadian farmers and improve their environmental sustainability."

The investment is being made through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agri-Innovation Program.