Canada has signed on as a founding member of the Efficient Fertilizer Consortium (EFC). 

The EFC funds research to advance enhanced efficiency and novel fertilizer products  and practices that help farmers produce crops while reducing environmental impacts. 

Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay says Canada is committing approximately  $1.3 million to the EFC over the next four years.

Canada will be working with international scientists and stakeholders to better understand the greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential, and the impact of fertilizer products on crop yield in different climates, soil types and management practices. 

Fertilizer companies, crop groups and foundations as well as other international governments including the U.S. and the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office are all part of the Efficient Fertilizer Consortium.

There is also an ongoing opportunity for Canadian fertilizer and nutrient management innovators to be a part of the Consortium. 

MacAulay says by joining the EFC they're helping ensure that our farmers and producers are well-equipped to make informed decisions that are good for the environment and their bottom line.

"International collaboration is vitally important to addressing global food security and putting healthy and affordable food on tables right across Canada." 

In 2020, Canada announced a target of reducing GHG emissions associated with fertilizer use by 30 per cent below 2020 levels by the year 2030.