The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) has welcomed the FAO Code of Conduct that has been officially approved by the members of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. “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, and we are pleased that several of the industry’s suggestions for improvements of the code are reflected in the final document,” stated IFA DG Charlotte Hebebrand.
IFA is pleased to announce that it has started to develop an industry code of practice with the aim of incorporating relevant provisions of the FAO of conduct, but with a more specific focus on industry players, mainly to foster adoption and practical implementation by IFA members in a measurable way. IFA also appreciates its long-standing relationship with the FAO, dating back to the 1960s, when both organisations worked together 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,” said Tip O’Neil, IFA’s coordinator on UN issues and CEO of IRM. “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,” he added.
