The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada and Fertilizer Canada have partnered to advance sustainable agriculture in Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal as part of the 4R Solution Project.

The project is supported by Global Affairs Canada and focuses on the incorporation of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place®) into fertilizer management practices in order to increase incomes for over 80,000 smallholder farmers.

“Improving the socio-economic opportunities for smallholder farmers, particularly women, is the core of the Government of Canada’s efforts to enhance prosperity in Sub-Saharan countries,” said the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“With this project, our government is providing $15 million of funding to bring a Canadian innovation in agriculture – 4R Nutrient Stewardship best management practices – and the development expertise of the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada to address food security and economic wellbeing of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal.”

The programme will support improvements in the co-operative business structure and the incorporation of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship into agricultural practices. It will help smallholder farmers grow more nutritious and marketable crops, increase revenues, productivity and profit margins.

“Fertilizer Canada is pleased to be partnering with CDF Canada and the Government of Canada to facilitate knowledge transfer and implementation of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices in Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal,” said Garth Whyte, President & CEO of Fertilizer Canada. “4R Nutrient Stewardship is a Canadian innovation, however, it is easily adaptable to local soil conditions, making this project ideal for adoption by smallholder farmers to increase crop yields and profitability.”

The 4R Solution Project is an innovative partnership that will leverage Canadian funding and expertise to integrate the principles of co-operative development and sustainable agriculture management to support improved socio-economic opportunities and will have a focus on addressing the needs of women farmers.

“For over seven decades, CDF Canada’s work has translated the generosity and values of Canadian co-operatives and credit unions into sustainable socio-economic opportunities for people around the world,” said Benoit Andre, Executive Director of CDF Canada. “We are very pleased to partner with Fertilizer Canada and Global Affairs Canada to advance a sustainable and resilient agriculture that creates new opportunities for the farmers of Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal.”

The 4R Solution Project and the partnership between CDF Canada and Fertilizer Canada reflect the organizations’ commitment to improve food security, promote climate smart agriculture and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

It further supports Fertilizer Canada’s strategic goal to achieve official endorsement of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework as the Canadian and global standard for sustainable nutrient application and climate smart agriculture.

In addition, the 4R Solution Project aligns with CDF Canada’s mission to act on co-operative principles and partner with communities to achieve sustainable economic and social development outcomes.

About fertilizer Canada

Fertilizer Canada represents manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and Sulphur fertilizers. The fertilizer industry plays an essential role in Canada’s economy, contributing $23 billion annually and over 76,000 jobs. The association is committed to supporting the fertilizer industry with innovative research and programming while advocating sustainability, stewardship, safety and security through standards and Codes of Practice. Please visit fertilizercanada.ca

The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada has strong links to Canada’s co-operative business and international development sectors. Canada has a network of 8,500 cooperatives and credit unions, with total assets of over $350 billion and 150,000 employees. Canadian co-operators have engaged internationally for more than 70 years through CDF Canada. CDF Canada’s mission is to act on co-operative principles and partner with communities around the world to achieve sustainable economic and social development.