Fertilizer industry takes first steps to accreditation. Tasmania, Impact Fertilisers
Fertilizer industry takes first steps to accreditation
Better management of the environment, food safety issues and the health and safety of all fertilizer users is at the heart of a newly introduced three-tier training and accreditation program for Australia’s fertilizer industry.
The Fertcare program was developed by the Fertilizer Industry Federation of Australia (FIFA) and the Australian Fertiliser Services Association (AFSA), primarily to address the environmental issues associated with using fertilizer.
Nick Drew, Executive Manager for FIFA and AFSA, said while the roll-out of Fertcare training and accreditation 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 said the program was strongly backed by the industry and likely to be adopted by the vast majority of Australian businesses involved in fertilizer supply and distribution. It also has the support of the National Landcare Program, including funding for the development and promotion of the project.
Fertcare training is conducted at three levels, aimed at logistics providers, sales staff and advisers.
Level A training involves developing a basic understanding of fertilizers and soil ameliorants, such as physical identification, understanding labelling, storage and handling characteristics and the main environmental and food safety risks.
A more advanced course for sales staff, Level B, provides basic training in plant nutrition as well as giving participants greater knowledge of the nutrient issues relating to the environment and food safety.
Level C training is aimed at agronomists. The course covers environmental issues, environmental stewardship practices, regulations and label requirements, sampling and food safety issues. With recognition of prior competency, agronomists can become fully accredited Fertcare advisers.
David Ford has been involved in both the development and implementation of Fertcare, as Vice-Chairman of FIFA and CEO of Impact Fertilisers.
Tasmania’s leading fertiliser company, Impact Fertilisers, manufactures and imports fertilisers for sale through a network of distributors.
Impact Fertilisers supported the program from its inception, literally filling pilot training programs, to become one of the first Australian fertilizer businesses to receive official Fertcare accreditation.
All of Impact Fertilisers’ field and agronomy staff are fully accredited Fertcare advisers and 30% of the company’s depot staff have taken Fertcare Level A or B training, depending on their role. The commitment extends to the top of the organisation, with Mr Ford taking on Level C training.
“Personally, I found it a really good course, similar to Nutrient Advantage training with a greater environmental focus,” he said.
Mr Ford said the industry-developed program set high standards for fertilizer companies.
“We see Fertcare as a great way to support our farmer customers in their own food safety programs, as well as helping them achieve productivity gains and good environmental outcomes,” he said.
“Many of our customers are involved in intense horticultural operations and use strict food safety programs. Fertcare accreditation will give these customers more confidence to use Impact for their fertilizer needs.”
Impact Fertilisers also uses a quality assurance system at its sites, with all depots implementing ISO 9000 three years ago. The premises module of the Fertcare program will be quickly snapped up by the company when it becomes available.
But right now, they’re working to get 100% of staff Fertcare trained.
Customers of Impact Fertilisers will soon see the Fertcare sign on company information and advertising.
“We want to let our customers know they are getting the best possible advice from Fertcare accredited advisers when they deal with Impact Fertilisers,” Mr Ford said.
Enquiries about Fertcare can be directed to FIFA in Canberra on 02 6230 6987.
Ends
Caption to photos :
David Ford, CEO of Impact Fertilisers, committed to Fertcare early. Impact Fertilisers is now one of only a handful of companies to boast Fertcare accreditation.
Nick Drew, Executive Manager for FIFA and AFSA, said Fertcare had the potential to significantly improve fertilizer handling and use practices across the country.
EDITOR’S CONTACT:
Kathryn Loader, Jenny Gilbert Communications
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