Expanding the use of 4R Nutrient Stewardship is an important opportunity to improve fertilizer efficiency, which is good for both farm productivity and our environment. With these goals in mind, the CCC has unveiled new financial incentives to initiate or advance these nitrogen management practices when growing canola.
The program is called Canola 4R Advantage. It’s one of the 12 programs being delivered by Canadian agricultural organizations with funding from the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).
Through Canola 4R Advantage, growers can apply for funding to help pay for these best management practices (BMPs):
- Soil testing
- Enhanced efficiency fertilizers
- Preferred application
- Field zone mapping
Growers can seek funding for up to two of these BMPs per year. The annual funding limit for each BMP is $6,000 per grower, making a total of $12,000 available to each grower annually
The program is open to canola growers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. To be eligible for these incentives, a grower must have a 4R Nutrient Stewardship plan that has been verified by a Certified Crop Adviser or Professional Agrologist who has earned the 4R designation from Fertilizer Canada. To find a qualified CCA or P.Ag. in your area, or learn more about getting 4R certified, visit the Fertilizer Canada website.
Growers must also attest that canola will be grown on the field(s) specified in their application, and that the BMP is being used on the field(s) for the first time.
Canola 4R Advantage will begin accepting applications on August 17 through a digital platform linked to the CCC website. In the meantime, growers and agronomists can review program details and BMP requirements at canolacouncil.org/4R-advantage.
You can find answers to common questions about the program on our FAQ page and can connect with program administrators through our contact page. The site also has links to 4R guidelines for more precise, efficient and sustainable nitrogen use.
Canadian canola growers are leaders in sustainability, and Canola 4R Advantage is an exciting opportunity to keep building on this excellent track record.
