IFA welcomes FAC code

(Posted on 04/07/19)

The International Fertilizer Association welcomes the FAO Code of Conduct, which was officially approved this week during the FAO Conference.

“IFA and our members around the world, welcome the Code as a useful framework for nutrient stewardship, which is aligned with the commitments of the fertilizer industry,” stated IFA DG Charlotte Hebebrand, “and we are pleased that several of the industry’s suggestions for improvements of the Code are reflected in the final document.”

IFA is pleased to announce that it has embarked on developing an Industry Code of Practice, which will incorporate relevant provisions of the FAO of Conduct, but be more specifically targeted at industry players, with the goal to facilitate adoption and practical implementation by IFA members in a measurable way.

IFA values its long-standing relationship with the FAO, which dates back to the 1960s, when both organizations collaborated to demonstrate the benefits of fertilizers to farmers across the developing world.

“As the code makes clear, site specific nutrient management incorporating the “4Rs” (ensuring the application of the right nutrient source, at right rate, the right time and in the place) is a requirement to close remaining yield gaps as well to reduce the environmental footprint of fertilizers,” IFA’s coordinator on UN issues and CEO of IRM Tip O’Neill indicated. “Given the industry’s expertise and global reach, we look forward to engaging in an effective public private partnership with the FAO to promote nutrient stewardship across the globe.”

The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) promotes the efficient and responsible production, distribution and use of plant nutrients to enable sustainable agricultural systems that contribute to a world free of hunger and malnutrition.