Ontario Backs 4R Nutrient Stewardship, New Term Agreement
By Grain Farmers of Ontario
TL;DR: Ontario renews its commitment to the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program, promoting sustainable fertilizer practices to protect the environment and support profitable farming.
- 4R program focuses on Right Source, Rate, Time, Place for nutrient application.
- Voluntary certification ensures sustainable practices by nutrient service providers.
- Program has successfully certified over 1.4 million acres in 2025.
- Aims to improve nutrient efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and boost yields.
- Supports soil health, water quality, and greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Why it matters: The continued commitment to 4R Nutrient Stewardship directly impacts the sustainability of agricultural practices, offering a proven framework to balance environmental protection with economic viability for farmers.
Do this next: Explore the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program’s guidelines to see how you can apply its principles to your own farm or garden.
Recommended for: Farmers, agricultural advisors, policymakers, and environmental advocates interested in sustainable nutrient management practices.
The Ontario government, along with key agricultural organizations including the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, Fertilizer Canada, Grain Farmers of Ontario, the Ontario Agri Business Association, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, has renewed the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) for the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program for a third term. This science-based framework emphasizes the Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place for nutrient application to promote sustainable agricultural practices. The renewal underscores a shared commitment to protecting Ontario's soils and water quality while enhancing farm profitability and supporting climate-smart agriculture. In 2025, the program successfully certified over 1.4 million acres, demonstrating strong participation from farmers and advisors, and reflecting growing trust in its benefits. The voluntary 4R certification program evaluates and certifies nutrient service providers, such as agricultural retailers and certified professionals, through independent third-party audits managed by partners like AWSA in collaboration with Fertilizer Canada. This initiative tailors best management practices to Ontario's diverse agricultural production systems, regional climates, soils, and operational conditions. By improving nutrient efficiency, the program reduces environmental impacts, maximizes crop yields, and delivers economic returns. It also contributes to soil health improvement, water quality protection, and greenhouse gas emission reductions. Trevor Jones, Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, highlighted the government's honor in participating, noting how it supports sustainable nutrient management to safeguard water bodies, maintain soil health, and boost profitability for a resilient agri-food sector. Michael Bourque, President and CEO of Fertilizer Canada, praised Ontario's leadership in science-based nutrient management, providing farmers with practical tools for efficiency, resource protection, and long-term sector resilience. The program's origins trace back to a 2015 MOC, with certification implementation starting in fall 2018 after publication on April 1, 2018. It aligns with broader efforts like Grain Farmers of Ontario's research priorities, integrating 4R practices with other nutrient sources such as cover crops, manure, and biosolids to reduce nitrogen losses and GHG emissions while improving profitability. Nationally, Fertilizer Canada has similar agreements in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island, with Alberta expected to follow. Financial benefits are estimated up to $87 per acre, and incentives like FCC's program offer payments up to $4,000 for 2025 crop year participants using 4R practices with designated professionals, with applications open until January 31, 2026. This renewal builds on Ontario farmers' sustainability leadership, fostering measurable progress through collaboration among industry, government, and farm groups.