MOU signed to see government, industry and producers work together for agricultural success

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on July 10, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Fertilizer Canada and Alberta Grains have developed a memorandum of understanding to help farmers increase their plant growth and yields.

The MOU outlines how the Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry, agriculture industry and farmers can work together to increase 4R practice adoption levels, or “right source, right rate, right time, right place.”

Signed by ministries of Agriculture and Irrigation and Environment and Protected Areas, as well as Alberta Grains and Fertilizer Canada, the MOU will be a three-year agreement to bolster data collection and communication on the subject.

The goals of the MOU are to improve production and environmental stewardship, as well as pursue common objectives and priorities related to soil health/quality and nutrient management while supporting the province’s commitments to the growth of the industry.

“I’m so happy to announce the government’s MOU with Fertilizer Canada and Alberta Grains, set to increase awareness of 4R principles and practices,” said RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. “The bottom line is that this approach helps producers minimize nutrient losses and supports profitable and sustainable crop production in Alberta while protecting and conserving Alberta’s soil, water and air. Together we can continue to build and support an innovative and thriving agriculture sector.”

It is the hope that this MOU will help farmers adopt science-based nutrient stewardship practices in Alberta, as well as communicate the province’s sustainable production practices on the world stage.

“As a farmer, I’m always looking for ways to make the most efficient use of my inputs and improve the overall viability of my operation. Alberta farmers are already leading the way in responsible fertilizer use, and this MOU helps build on that by strengthening the tools and metrics we use to continue to measure progress,” said Scott Jespersen, chair of Alberta Barley.

“This commitment is a great example of industry and government working together to support practical tools that benefit farmers in the field that allow us to better demonstrate our stewardship to domestic and global customers who buy Alberta grains and other crops,” said Jespersen.

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