Agribusiness Council of Indiana, in partnership with the Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance, is proud to announce the launch of a pilot audit for an Indiana 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program. Five Indiana retail locations are currently participating in the pilot audit to ensure the program’s success when it officially launches.

“Over the last three years, the Agribusiness Council of Indiana has been researching, studying, seeking input and discussing with its members the implementation of a 4R certification program in Indiana,” said ACI President Amy Cornell. “We are so grateful to the Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance for their help getting this program off the ground, and to The Mosaic Company, The Nature Conservancy and The Fertilizer Institute for the generous grants offered on behalf of 4R.”

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program is a voluntary program for ACI members that encourages agricultural retailers and independent crop consultants to adopt proven best practices through the 4Rs, which refers to using the Right Source of Nutrients at the Right Rate and Right Time in the Right Place. This approach provides a science-based framework for plant nutrition management and sustained crop production, while considering specific individual farms' needs. It is a proactive, responsible commitment aimed at the long-term improvement of water quality.  

“Farmers and ag retailers using 4R nutrient management fits perfectly with IANA’s mission of healthy soils, clean water and viable farms,” said Ben Wicker, executive director of the Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance. “I am excited ACI is developing Indiana’s 4R Certification for their ag retail members to highlight the positive impacts they are achieving across the state and to lead the way in educating and increasing 4R practices with their farmers.”

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program occurs on a 3-year certification cycle where a retail location is audited on a set of standards developed by the Nutrient Stewardship Council. This set of standards outlines best practices to be implemented. Each requirement is evaluated each audit period by a private, third party auditor via an in-person audit to earn or maintain certification.