Florida Fertilizer Industry Has 2020 Focus on Stewardship
January 19, 2020 
The 4R Field Day held recently at Jones Potato Farm drew more than 100 attendees.
Photo courtesy of Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association
One resolution for the New Year is to do a better job of communicating the value of responsibly using agricultural pesticides in Florida – recognizing both the benefits and the risks. Another resolution is to demonstrate the Florida fertilizer industry’s support for protecting and improving Florida’s water quality.
To do this, I’ll need some help.
Studies on keeping resolutions reveal some common keys to success: having accountability partners (like Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association’s amazing Board of Directors); setting micro-goals (such as a series of workshops and focusing on regional efforts); and, establishing measurable results for desired outcomes.
Talking Tactics
In pursuit of the first objective, FFAA is hosting an afternoon of communication training for industry and allies interested in learning new ways to talk about agricultural pesticide use. The goal of this half-day training session is to learn how to inform — not persuade — consumers who have questions. The instructor is Genevieve O’Sullivan, CropLife America’s VP of Communications and Marketing. The training is from noon to 5 p.m. on Jan. 15, in advance of FFAA’s 2020 Winter Business Meeting (Jan. 16-17) in Jensen Beach. Participants will leave with a toolkit of tips and tactics to better communicate why ag pesticides are necessary and safe when used according to the label.
Get Certified
For the second goal, FFAA is building on the success of the first Florida 4R Field Day, held this past November, at Jones Potato Farm in Parrish, the award-winning operation of Florida’s first national 4R Advocate, Alan Jones. At that event, attended by more than 100 people, the Florida 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification program’s Jan. 1, 2020 launch date was announced. This voluntary third-party audit program is aimed at Florida’s fertilizer retailers and other nutrient service providers. It will verify the use of the 4Rs – right source of nutrients at the right rate, right place, and right time – in crop fertility recommendations given to growers.
The standards for the Florida 4R Certification program were created to address specific goals:
- Maximize crop uptake of nutrients and minimize nutrient losses;
- Create long-term positive impacts on water bodies associated with agricultural production areas, including the reduction of eutrophication and incidence of harmful algal blooms and helping to meet water quality standards;
- Encourage sharing of the most up-to-date information about responsible nutrient stewardship with nutrient service providers and growers; and
- Help the agricultural sector adapt to new research and technology in the area of nutrient stewardship.
There are 30 auditable evaluation criteria – seven address training and education, 12 address nutrient recommendations, five address nutrient applications, and six address documentation. To provide accountability, there will be an annual review of the 4R Certification program. One measure of success in the next year will be the number of growers and acres impacted by 4R nutrient stewardship programs.
While I’m dedicated to making good on these FFAA resolutions in the next year, it’s going to take a group effort to make significant progress. I challenge you to make one of your 2020 resolutions to get more involved. You might belong to one or more of the many associations that serve Florida agriculture – but whichever group best protects your livelihood, will only succeed with your support.
For more information about FFAA’s programs, please email me. Let’s make the most of 2020’s 366 days!