4R Research Fund

The 4R Research Fund was established by the fertilizer industry to help establish sustainability indicators and environmental impact data for the implementation of 4R Nutrient Stewardship across North America. It provides needed resources to measure and document the economic, social, and environmental impacts of 4R Nutrient Stewardship. The knowledge produced through the Fund will help expand the 4Rs beyond being solely an industry effort and toward becoming a viable strategy to address nutrient loss to the environment and crop productivity.

Funds for the 4R research effort were initially derived from within the fertilizer industry. Specifically, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and the Fertilizer Canada have obtained support from their members. Since the creation of the 4R Research Fund, additional agricultural stakeholders have contributed to the effort.

The 4R Research Fund was established within FAR. A 4R Fund Management Committee provides oversight of the 4R Research Fund and includes representation from TFI and Fertilizer Canada, as well as agricultural industry members to ensure that industry priorities are maintained and a consistent 4R approach is executed.

A Technical Advisory Group determines research needs and funding areas and provides input and support to the Fund Management Committee. The Technical Advisory group includes representatives from industry, academia, government agency experts in agronomy, environmental sciences, sustainability, government relations, and communications.