News Type: Press Releases

TFI Announces International Governing Body for 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program

WASHINGTON, September 3, 2020 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) announced the formation of an international governing body for the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program – the Global Nutrient Stewardship Certification Council (NSCC). The NSCC is composed of representatives from The Fertilizer Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and The Nature Conservancy, who will guide interested parties in the implementation of a 4R Certification program in their region.

“The fertilizer industry recognizes the environmental challenges its products pose; however, we want to be part of the solution,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “Fertilizer applications on millions of acres of farmland around the United States are under the management of highly-trained professionals who make 4R recommendations to farmers every day. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is a way to ensure the industry continues to meet and exceed standards that help protect the environment.”

The voluntary 4R Certification Program is an effort by the North American agriculture industry to significantly reduce and prevent fertilizer from running off fields into the water supply. The program certifies fertilizer retailers and crop consultants – those who apply or make fertilizer recommendations – are following business practices in accordance with 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles. 4R practices incorporate using the right fertilizer source at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. Program participants must go through annual, independent, third-party audits, which demonstrate their understanding, following and recommendation and implementation of 4R principles with their grower customer.

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification program was initially launched in the Western Lake Erie Basin in 2014 as a partnership between TFI, The Nature Conservancy, and the Ohio Agribusiness Association. A year later, Fertilizer Canada led the development a certification program for Ontario agribusiness. Programs are currently available in Florida, New York, and Ohio in the United States and in Ontario and Prince Edward Island in Canada. Other geographies working to implement the program are Indiana, Minnesota, and Missouri.

“Fertilizer Canada and TFI have worked together to develop a robust science-based certification program that recognizes the climate smart agricultural practices of North American agri retailers,” said Garth Whyte, President and CEO at Fertilizer Canada. “The Certification program further demonstrates our commitment to balancing farmer, industry, and advocacy goals to improve on-farm economics, crop productivity and fertilizer efficiency, while also being leaders in sustainable agriculture.”

An early champion of the 4R Nutrient Certification Program, The Nature Conservancy views the effort as an essential component of its Sustainable Agriculture strategy for North America. “The 4R framework is a proven, science-based approach that works for the farmer and for nature,” said Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, strategic engagement director for The Nature Conservancy in North America. “It helps farmers and agribusinesses ensure the long-term sustainability of crop production, while also protecting lands and waters for future generations.”

With a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding, the geographies recognize TFI as the global administrative agent for the 4R Certification Program and the Global NSCC and manager of the program in the United States. Fertilizer Canada develops and administers the 4R certification program for interested provinces. Coordination within the NSCC will create consistency amongst geographies, maintain program rigor, and ensure core auditable requirements are represented in each geographies’ standards. The Global NSCC will also provide guidance to new entities interested in developing programs in their geographies.

The NSCC also announced a newly redesigned 4Rcertified.org, which will serve as a central hub of information for interested geographies and retailers, current program participants, legislators, regulators, and the general public. The website includes information on the 4R Certification Program, as well as geography-specific resources and statistics.

Those interested in implementing the 4R Certification program in their geography should contact The Fertilizer Institute in the United States and Fertilizer Canada in Canada to assist in developing a program plan.

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is governed and guided by the Global Nutrient Stewardship Certification Council – representatives from program geographies, The Fertilizer Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and Fertilizer Canada. The Global NSCC creates consistency among member geographies, maintains program rigor and ensures core auditable requirements are represented in each geographies’ standards. The 4R Certification Program is administered by The Fertilizer Institute. For more information, visit 4Rcertified.org.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

The Fertilizer Institute Partners with EPA, USDA to Advance Next Generation Fertilizer Development and Use

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2020 – Today, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) joined with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in launching the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges, which aims to accelerate the development of innovative fertilizer product technologies and to increase the use of existing enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) that maintain or increase crop yields and reduce environmental impacts to air, land, and water.

“Today’s fertilizer industry is built upon decades of innovation that have led us to a modern and efficient supply chain that has helped farmers increase yields while fine tuning their fertilizer use,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “However, there is always improvement to be made, which is why we are excited to partner with the federal government and others in this challenge to spur the industry’s creativity in finding sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s fertilizer industry.”

Fertilizers facilitate the growth of crops at yields that provide sustained global food production. However, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers applied without consideration of the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship (source, rate, time, and place) can have harmful effects on environment and human health. EEF and other new product technologies and formulations control fertilizer release or alter reactions that can increase nutrient uptake by the plant and reduce nutrient losses to the environment. EEFs and other related technologies can be an important addition to a conservation practice system that helps reduce row crop agriculture impacts on the environment, while maintaining or increasing agricultural productivity and profitability.

The EEF Partnership and Competition includes two challenges. The EEFs: Environmental and Agronomic Challenge and the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovation Challenge. Submission details are available on the EPA website and winners will be announced in December 2020 (Existing EEFs) and February 2020 (Next Gen Fertilizer Innovation).

  • EEFs: Environmental and Agronomic Challenge: This challenge aims to identify existing EEFs currently on or near-market that meet or exceed certain environmental and agro-economic criteria. Submissions are due October 30, 2020.
  • Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge: This challenge aims to identify concepts for novel technologies for fertilizers that can reduce the environmental effects from modern agriculture while maintaining or increasing crop yields. Submissions to the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge are not near-market and may include EEFs and other product technologies used with or in combination with commercial fertilizers. Submissions are due November 30, 2020.

Winners of the EEFs: Environmental and Agronomic Challenge will receive scientific evaluation and recognition from EPA, USDA, and other partners and participants; advancement to a greenhouse trial; and, pending greenhouse trial results and available funds, advancement to field trials.

Winners of the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge will receive a minimum award of $10,000 per winner from a total prize purse of $40,000 and be invited to a showcasing event, where winners of both challenges will share ideas and spark innovation.

An informational webinar is scheduled for September 24, 2020. Registration details are available on the EPA website.

EPA and USDA are working in collaboration with TFI, the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). The challenges were developed with input from stakeholders such as corn grower representatives, fertilizer companies, university researchers, and environmental and industry NGOs.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

The Fertilizer Institute’s 4R Advocate Program Celebrates 10th Anniversary, Now Accepting 2021 4R Advocate Nominations

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2020 –The Fertilizer Institute’s (TFI) 4R Advocate program is celebrating its 10th anniversary starting with the acceptance of nominations for the 2021 4R Advocate awards. This program recognizes farmers and fertilizer retailers for their commitment to sound nutrient stewardship using the 4Rs, or the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, the right time, and in the right place. Using 4R practices most applicable to their operations, farmers improve return on their nutrient inputs and decrease environmental impact.

To date, 90 4R Advocates from 22 states, representing nearly one-quarter million acres have been recognized. They grow crops that include apples, alfalfa, cabbage, collard greens, corn, cotton, hops, peanuts, rice, soybeans, strawberries, tomatoes, and more.

Advocate nominations are due no later than Friday, October 30, 2020. Details, materials, and entry forms for retailers and industry partners to nominate farmers are available online at nutrientstewardship.org/advocates/become-an-advocate/. Entry forms offer easy directions for farmers and retailers to document their efforts to apply the 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles and to chart results. Applicants can also read previous winners’ stories on the same website.

“Fertilizer retailers have long been trusted advisers for farmers. In doing so, they help farmers implement the 4Rs in their businesses year-round,” said Lara Moody, TFI’s Vice President, Stewardship and Sustainability. “From soil testing to pre-plant nutrient planning and in-season nutrient management and harvest, retailers work side by side with farmers to ensure optimal yields, economic return, and sound environmental practices.”

The 4R Advocate program highlights farmers’ partnerships with their retailers or certified agronomists throughout the year and demonstrates to the fertilizer industry, the agricultural community, and policymakers the real-world benefits the 4Rs deliver on the farm and in communities.

The 2021 4R Advocate winners will be announced in mid-December. They will participate in an all-expense-paid trip to the 2021 Commodity Classic, scheduled for March 4 through 6, in San Antonio, Texas. TFI will honor the 4R Advocate growers and nominating retailers during an awards banquet that takes place during the event. Special guests, media, and previous 4R Advocate award winners will also be invited.

As with 4R Advocates before them, the 2021 Advocates will spend the next year supporting TFI-sponsored 4R activities, as well as serve as 4R representatives within their businesses and communities during educational events and special presentations.

Raising awareness and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship is a top priority for the fertilizer industry. The industry builds 4R awareness among growers and agricultural stakeholders at agricultural trade shows, field days, company visits, and other outreach opportunities.

As 4R Nutrient Stewardship management practices grow in popularity among farmers, the industry has gained additional support for the practices from allied industry groups such as Certified Crop Advisors, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and The Nature Conservancy.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI serves its members through legislative, educational, technical and economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

TFI Applauds House Passage of WRDA Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA).

TFI extends a special thanks to Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for their work on this bipartisan legislation. “Our nation’s transportation infrastructure is critical to agriculture and rural America’s competitive advantage in world markets, and WRDA provides vital support for that network,” said Rosenbusch. “WRDA is the foundation for the modernization of our nation’s inland waterways and ports, which are an integral component of the fertilizer distribution system.”

TFI is especially pleased with the inclusion of a key modification to the cost-share for inland waterways projects. “The cost-share change should steer more funding toward inland waterway projects,” Rosenbusch continued. “On a ton-mile basis, approximately one-third of fertilizer moves on the inland barge system and these projects are absolutely critical to the safe and efficient distribution of fertilizers.”

Highlighting the importance of WRDA and the need for modernizing the country’s aging water infrastructure, Rosenbusch noted the 700 percent increase in unscheduled work stoppages for repairs of locks and dams built nearly a hundred years ago but designed only to last 50 years. “These delays are not only disastrous for the farmers who receive much of the almost 70 million tons of fertilizer each year via our nation’s waterways, they can also raise the prices of everyday goods and food for consumers. The WRDA bill passed by the House today is a step in the right direction and I urge the Senate to take action and quickly pass a WRDA bill.”

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

TFI Applauds Extension of Key Security Program CFATS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President & CEO Corey Rosenbusch today applauds the President and Congress for extending the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program for three years.

“A long-term extension of the CFATS program is what the fertilizer industry supported and wanted to see. This provides industry the ability to properly plan and invest in measures that promote security at facilities.

“The secure and safe handling of fertilizers is the highest priority for The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and our members. We are proud of our industry’s security and safety record. Numbers speak for themselves and the fertilizer industry is twice as safe as our chemical industry peers. We actively participate in and sponsor numerous safety initiatives such as ResponsibleAg and TRANSCAER.

“We are particularly proud of the voluntary, industry-driven ResponsibleAg program. ResponsibleAg exists to enhance compliance by agricultural retailers with a variety of federal regulations, including those administered by the Department of Homeland Security. Since its creation over five years ago, over 3,400 audits have been completed and over 1,300 facilities have been certified by the ResponsibleAg program.

“Fertilizers are necessary to feed the crops that feed the world. Half of all food grown around the world today is made possible through the use of fertilizer. We are committed to ensuring that the world has the food, fuel and fiber it needs, and that fertilizer industry facilities are appropriately secure.”

 

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

NEPA Updates? TFI Says, “Yes, Please”

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2020 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today applauded the finalization of updates to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as the revisions will ensure federal regulations continue to protect the environment without causing unnecessary negative impact to the business community.

“NEPA has not been updated in 40 years, and TFI has been supportive of these long overdue changes that improve efficiency of the permitting process and ensure continued environmental protection,” said TFI President & CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Our industry is focused on providing crop nutrients in a way that ensures farmer profitability and minimizes environmental impact so that we can feed a growing world. To do that we also need to grow, and we need the stability and certainty of a regulatory framework that allows us to do so.”

Phosphorous and potassium, two of the three primary plant nutrients, are natural resources derived from mined minerals. Permits to mine these minerals on both private and public lands can take many years to obtain. One of the primary permitting challenges is the uneven application of the provisions of NEPA by states and the federal government. These NEPA updates will add needed clarity to this process and facilitate a more timely and efficient permitting process. 

Over the past 50 years, these regulations have evolved into a legal framework that has unnecessarily stalled or prevented critical phosphate and potash mining projects in the United States. These process-based delay tactics do not reflect environmental impacts and only serve to increase project costs and permitting delays.

“Many of our members have been negatively impacted by outdated NEPA guidelines,” Rosenbusch confirmed. “One producer, whose story is not unique, has spent the last decade and $20 million dollars in pursuit of a permit to grow jobs and instill economic prosperity in a community still reeling from economic stagnation, only to remain unsure of its ultimate fate.

“TFI believes in the original Congressional intent of NEPA, which was to help public officials make decision that are based on the understanding of environmental consequences and to take actions that protect, restore, and enhance the environment,” Rosenbusch concluded. “These revisions will ensure that federal regulations continue to protect the environment without causing unnecessary negative impacts to the business community and allowing what our members to do what they do best: feed the world.”

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

TFI Looks Forward to USMCA Implementation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch released the following statement regarding the implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).  

TFI applauds President Trump, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for their bipartisan efforts to put American workers and industry in a position to be able to compete on the global stage by ensuring that markets remain open and fair.

“We look forward to the implementation of the USMCA, which is an emphatic win for agriculture and the millions of hard-working men and women who grow the food, fuel and fiber that feeds our growing world. Canada and Mexico are our two largest agricultural trading partners and the USMCA puts American workers and industry in a position to be compete on a global stage and ensure that markets remain open and fair. We are confident that USMCA implementation will strengthen U.S. agriculture and the countless communities whose economic well-being is tied directly to the soil.”

TFI Statement on House Select Committee’s Climate Crisis Action Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today released the following statement regarding the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis “Climate Crisis Action Plan,” which provides a framework for comprehensive climate change legislation. 

TFI and its members recognize the ongoing challenge of climate change and are committed to the safe, secure and sustainable production, distribution and use of plant nutrition. Click here to read a letter TFI submitted to the Select Committee in November 2019 outlining our priorities for climate change policy.

As Congress continues to debate various climate change policy proposals, it is important to recognize the importance and contributions of the U.S. fertilizer industry to global food security, supply and sustainable agriculture production. Fertilizers account for 50 percent of global food production. In addition, the fertilizer industry supports more than 487,000 American jobs and has an economic impact of over $130 billion annually.

The U.S. fertilizer manufacturing industry is both energy-intensive and trade-exposed and “any potential climate legislation must preserve the global competitiveness of the U.S. fertilizer industry and our farmer customers,” TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch said. Furthermore, any federal policy, including a price on carbon, that increases production costs—both directly through a carbon fee and indirectly by increasing the cost of natural gas—would likely lead the industry to reconsider any additional investments in the U.S. and could force production overseas.

Rosenbusch explained, “From 1998-2008, when natural gas prices increased 4-fold, half of U.S. ammonia production capacity was shut down. Beyond the problem of jobs lost, that production shifted overseas to countries that don’t necessarily have the same efficiencies or environmental regulations.” For example, nearly 80 percent of China’s ammonia production uses coal as a feedstock, a process that emits nearly two and a half times the amount of carbon dioxide as using natural gas. Therefore, any climate change legislation must include a mechanism to prevent the potential for such carbon leakage. 

“Thanks to advances in fertilizer production processes and the implementation of science-based 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices, the fertilizer supply chain and our farmer customers today are producing more with less,” continued Rosenbusch. “We are pleased that the report includes a recommendation to provide increased incentives and resources for farmers to adopt the 4Rs as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).  In addition, we recommend including 4R practice implementation in any offset credit program that may accompany any market-based regime to reduce GHG emissions.”

A recent case study showed that a corn farmer in Illinois who went from basic to advanced 4R practices on his farm was able to reduce his CO2 emissions by 34.7 percent over the course of four years. Additionally, cost per acre decreased by more than $60 due to lower fertilizer costs associated with variable rate applications and decreased labor and equipment costs for strip-till applications of anhydrous ammonia versus full, custom applications.

Since 1980, U.S. farmers have more than doubled corn production while using only 6.9 percent more fertilizer. “Without that yield increase from fertilizer, our farmers would need 175 million additional acres to grow the same amount of corn,” Rosenbusch explained. “Efficient use of fertilizer and industry ingenuity have led to a doubling of yield, a modest increase in fertilizer use, and the preservation of an area roughly the size of Texas from being turned into farmland. When you look at it from that perspective, fertilizer is a key component in land conservation and of reducing deforestation.”

“TFI is committed to continuing to work with members of Congress to ensure that any legislation or policy advanced can reduce GHG emissions without creating disincentives that would inhibit the continued advancement toward a more sustainable U.S. fertilizer industry.”

 

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

TFI Applauds STB Demurrage Decisions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today applauded yesterday’s decision by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) regarding rules and changes related to demurrage and accessorial charges levied against shippers.

“TFI is pleased with the Board’s actions,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Over half of all fertilizer moves by rail, so these decisions are great news for the fertilizer industry, its customers, and the rail carriers we depend upon. The Board’s balanced decisions will clarify expectations and minimize governmental intrusion into the rail marketplace.”

Yesterday, the Board issued three decisions related to demurrage charges, including; (1) a final policy statement articulating the factors it will use to determine the reasonableness of demurrage charges; (2) a final rule regarding shipper-warehouse demurrage responsibility, and; (3) a supplemental proposed rulemaking regarding minimum information requirements for demurrage invoices.

“These changes will help to improve fairness, service and system fluidity,” Rosenbusch concluded. “We also thank the Board for continuing its critical oversight functions and efforts to modernize its oversight during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

TFI Joins CLA and ARA to Announce Office Co-Location to Begin in 2021

WASHINGTON – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) joined CropLife America (CLA) and the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) in announcing today that the three organizations will co-locate to Arlington, VA, beginning in January 2021. Each organization will retain its focus on the needs of its respective members, but the move is expected to create greater opportunities for collaboration that can enhance each organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. The organizations’ respective Boards of Directors approved this concept in separate votes last fall.

“Just as our respective industries continue to integrate and consolidate, so too are we pursuing innovative and efficient ways to operate,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “This new arrangement will facilitate enhanced communication and collaboration on common issues.”

“CLA is excited to join two of our agriculture allies to better serve our respective members and the agricultural industry through closer collaboration. Although we will maintain distinctly separate organizations, we look forward to sharing common services, which will result in measurable savings that can be used to bolster our programs that benefit our members. We look forward to working even more closely together with ARA & TFI,” said Chris Novak, CLA president and CEO. 

“ARA’s members have identified the need to continually be more efficient with organizational resources,” said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock. “By sharing an office space with CLA and TFI, we are able to be good stewards of our assets while applying cost savings to better serve our members through the work we do on their behalf.”

All three organizations will remain independent with no changes to their individual governance models.  TFI and CLA intend to relocate by January 2021, ARA intends to move March 2021. 

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Established in 1933, CropLife America (www.croplifeamerica.org) represents the developers, manufacturers, formulators and distributors of plant science solutions for agriculture and pest management in the United States. CropLife America’s member companies produce, sell and distribute virtually all of the necessary and vital crop protection and biotechnology products used by American farmers. CLA can be found on Twitter at @CropLifeAmerica.

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) represents, promotes and advances the plant nutrition industry through policy advocacy, stewardship and sustainability initiatives and market intelligence programs. TFI membership is comprised of fertilizer producers, retailers, wholesalers and trading firms. Additional information on TFI is available at our website: www.tfi.org.

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.