Indiana 4R Certification

Indiana 4R Certification

Since launching in November 2020, the Indiana 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program has seen significant success. Developed through collaboration between the Agribusiness Council of Indiana and the Indiana Agricultural Nutrient Alliance, the program was built on extensive research, member input and strategic discussion to ensure it met the needs of Indiana agriculture and established a strong framework that has enabled the program to grow rapidly. Today, more than 900,000 acres across Indiana are 4R Certified - demonstrating agriculture’s continued commitment to responsible nutrient management and environmental stewardship.

What is 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. With roots in the Western Lake Erie Basin, the program has expanded internationally, adopted by states in the U.S. and Canadian provinces. Indiana was the first "I" state to launch the 4R program!

How does a retailer become 4R Certified?

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program requires that a retail location is audited on a set of standards developed by the Nutrient Stewardship Council. This set of standards outlines best practices (program requirements) to be implemented. Each requirement is evaluated annually by a private, third party auditor via an in-person audit to earn or maintain certification. Depending on the services provided by the Nutrient Service Provider, some criteria will not be applicable. There are three sections to the Program which include:

Initial Training and Ongoing Education;
Monitoring of 4R Implementation; and
Nutrient Recommendations and Application.

Indiana's specific 4R Certification Standards are finalized and can be read here. To read more on the general 4R Program auditable requirements, which were incorporated into the Indiana standards, click here.

What is the Nutrient Stewardship Council and who is on it?

The Nutrient Stewardship Council is an ACI committee formed to oversee and govern the Indiana 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program. Their mission is to develop an auditable nutrient stewardship certification program encouraging responsible commitment by nutrient service providers aimed at the long-term improvement of water quality in the Mississippi River Watershed and other surrounding waterways. The following individuals comprise the Indiana 4R NSC: