Helena’s Berne, Indiana, Location Completes Indiana’s 4R Certification Program

BERNE, IND. - The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program has announced that Helena’s facility in Berne, Indiana, is among the first four retailers in the state to achieve 4R certified status. The facility was a participant in the Indiana 4R Certification Pilot Audit Program, which help shaped the standards and audit process for Indiana’s 4R Certification Program.

4R is a voluntary certification program that provides a science-based framework for plant nutrition management and sustained crop production, while considering individual farms' needs. 

“Helena’s overriding goal is to help its customers succeed,” said Bill Klein, area branch manager at Helena. “The 4R Certification program and the 4Rs fit Helena’s theme of ‘People…Products…Knowledge’ like a glove, providing our customers with the tools they need for sustained success!” 

The program certifies that nutrient service providers and agricultural retailers in Indiana - who apply or make recommendations on how nutrients should be applied to crops - are doing so in accordance with 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles: using the Right Source of Nutrients at the Right Rate and Right Time in the Right Place. Program participants must go through an annual, independent, third-party audit and demonstrate that they not only understand 4R principles, but also follow them.

“The 4R Certification program is an ongoing effort for the agricultural industry to support clean water, healthy crops and to and we are proud of the continued commitment shown by Indiana’s agribusiness and conservation community,” said Carrie-Vollmer Sanders, Nutrient Stewardship Council chairwoman. 

“On behalf of the Indiana Nutrient Stewardship Council, congratulations to Helena’s Berne, Indiana, location for recognizing the value of 4R nutrient management to their business, their farmers, and their community by becoming one of Indiana’s first 4R Certified locations,” said Ben Wicker, chair of the Indiana Nutrient Stewardship Council. 

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is governed and guided by the Nutrient Stewardship Council, a diverse set of stakeholders from business, government, university and non-governmental sectors with a common goal of maintaining agricultural productivity while also improving soil health and water quality. The program is administered by the Agribusiness Council of Indiana. For more information, visit https://www.inagribiz.org/indiana4rcertification. 

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