Fertilizer industry takes first steps to accreditation. Victoria, Korumburra Lime and Spreading
Fertilizer industry takes first steps to accreditation
A new fertilizer industry training and accreditation program adopted by Korumburra Lime and Spreading is set to help safeguard South Gippsland farmers and the environment for years to come.
Known as Fertcare, the program encourages a best management practice approach to environmental management, food safety issues and the health and safety of all fertilizer users.
Fertcare was developed by the Fertilizer Industry Federation of Australia (FIFA) and the Australian Fertiliser Services Association (AFSA). It also has the support of the National Landcare Program, including funding for the development and promotion of the project.
Nick Drew, Executive Manager for FIFA and AFSA, said while the roll-out of Fertcare was still in its early stages, it had the potential to significantly improve fertilizer handling and use practices across the country.
“One of the key aims of the Fertcare program is for all Australian farmers to receive consistent quality advice on the handling and use of fertilizers and soil ameliorants,” he said.
“The program has been designed to lift the skills and knowledge of everyone involved in the supply and distribution of fertilizers, recognising that there are some serious consequences for misuse.”
Mr Drew congratulated Korumburra Lime and Spreading on becoming one of the first businesses in Australia to become Fertcare accredited.
Korumburra Lime and Spreading provides nutrient advice, Hi-Fert fertilizers and lime, fertilizer blending, delivery and spreading to local dairy, beef and sheep farmers, along with some snow pea and potato croppers.
Business owner, Rod Abbott, has been involved with the Fertcare program since its inception through his connection with the Australian Fertiliser Services Association. He is currently National Vice-President of the AFSA.
“I was involved in the development of Accu-Spread, the spreading equipment accreditation program, and when level A training first became available, all of our staff took part,” he said.
Fertcare training is conducted at three levels, aimed at logistics providers (A), sales staff (B) and agronomic advisers (C).
Currently at Korumburra Lime and Spreading, most spreader drivers have completed level A training, while salesman, Matthew Whiteside, has completed level B training. The company’s two JCB Fastrak spreaders and its Hino 4WD truck are Accu-Spread accredited.
“I see Fertcare as being good business practice – that’s the bottom line,” said Mr Abbott.
“It’s about doing a better job for our customers and the environment. That’s why we’ve achieved accreditation.”
Mr Abbott said Accu-Spread was developed to measure the performance of fertilizer spreading equipment.
Accu-Spread accreditation is based on a practical assessment. A row of trays is set up across a paddock at set widths to catch fertilizer as it is spread. The fertilizer captured is analysed to show the spreading pattern of the truck with that fertilizer.
The information generated shows whether the fertilizer can be spread evenly, and the width to which it can be spread evenly. The amount of fertilizer collected at different widths must be within 15% of the target rate to achieve accreditation.
This spreading pattern information is vital to Korumburra Lime and Spreading to ensure an even fertilizer application across the paddock and avoid over or under application.
Drivers with Korumburra Lime and Spreading also rely on GPS equipment to monitor their progress in spreading applications and improve efficiency.
Mr Abbott said there was industry-wide commitment to the Fertcare program and predicted it would soon be adopted by the vast majority of fertilizer manufactures, suppliers, retailers and service providers across the country.
“The Fertcare program has been recognised by government in an environmental context. It has been recognised by industry for the benefits it gives in training, as well as the environmental benefits and it will soon be recognised by farmers as a guide to the quality of service they can expect,” said Mr Abbott.
Customers of Korumburra Lime and Spreading will soon see the Fertcare sign on company equipment, information and advertising.
Enquiries about Fertcare can be directed to FIFA in Canberra on 02 6230 6987.
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