Just last week, I participated in a panel discussion surrounding water issues – particularly issues related to agriculture’s role in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
I have just arrived home from a quick trip to Cleveland, Ohio to judge entries in the 2012 Environmental Respect Awards (ERA). It was a whirlwind trip - one of those two day, four city deals that leave you thinking of an airport as close to a second home - on second thought, a home minus electrical outlets for charging key items like computers and phones.
After serving for two days as a delegate to the Global Food Security Forum in Rabat, Morocco, I am more convinced than ever of the complexity of the problems surrounding feeding the world's hungry and undernourished people.
Today is National Ag Day, and hopefully all U.S. citizens will take a second to be thankful for the abundant and safe food supply we have in America. The year round variety of food in our grocery stores is amazing and the production and logistics necessary to make it happen is a modern wonder made possible by dedicated farmers, input suppliers and transportation experts.
Last week, representatives from The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) staffed a booth at the Commodity Classic trade show. The Classic brings together corn, soybean, wheat, and sorghum growers from around the country – which provides TFI a great opportunity to engage with growers regarding 4R nutrient stewardship (implementation of best management practices that address the right source at the right rate, the right time, and in the right place).
I am constantly asked about the business of fertilizer and one of the most common inquiries I receive is “What is the role of fertilizer in today’s society?” The entire team at The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) spent countless hours in 2011 communicating about fertilizer and its role in feeding a world population that is expected to grow to nine billion by 2050.
The reactive nitrogen issue began in earnest with a jointly authored paper in Science magazine trumpeting the exponential increase in reactive nitrogen release(s) to the environment since 1950. The article drew a line out to 2050 predicting further and alarming increases in N release. Just for background, reactive nitrogen is any form of N except N2; or the atmospheric form.
Raising awareness and adoption of 4R nutrient stewardship is a top priority for The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). Currently, TFI is educating members and growers about the 4Rs at agricultural trade shows, member company visits and other 4R speaking engagements.
I am continually pointing out that feeding a growing population will require enhanced efficiency in agriculture. Of course, a key component in meeting this challege is the use of fertilizer in a sustainable agricultural system based on the 4R's of nutrient stewardship (use of the right nutrient source at the right time, the right rate and in the right place). Through this, farmers can meet environmental, economic and social goals.
