News & Events
Official Launch of Nutrients for Life
April 14, 2009Members of Parliament and fertilizer industry leaders gathered on Parliament Hill to celebrate the launch of Nutrients for Life Foundation Canada on March 31, 2009.
The Foundation was created with the objective of explaining that plant nutrients are a fundamental component of science-based sustainable agriculture. Its programs inform the public of the essential role that plant nutrients play in both the production of an abundant food supply and the preservation of healthy green spaces. Through the development of science-based educational materials geared towards middle school and high school students, Nutrients for Life is able to teach youth about the importance of environmental sustainability.
Parliament for Cypress Hills – Grasslands, Saskatchewan was very pleased to be presented with the first official copy of the science-based educational material by the Chair of Nutrients for Life, Hugh Loomans. Mr. Anderson is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food for the Canadian Wheat Board.
Mr. Anderson spoke highly of the work of the Foundation and congratulated the members on this proactive and timely initiative. He spoke of the importance of science to the agriculture industry. Referring to the Foundation’s educational material, he said “it is key that Nutrients for Life is rooted in sound science.”
The breakfast event also featured farm leaders – Richard Phillips, Executive Director of the Grain Growers of Canada, representing 80,000 grain and oilseed farmers across the country, stated “To feed the growing world population, it is critical that farmers use crop nutrients today and in the future”. He added that “farmers often do not have time to promote the importance of nutrients in our farming operations” and that he is pleased the Foundation is communicating this to Canadians.
Also speaking at the event was Ron Bonnett, 1st Vice President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the country's largest farmers' organization representing over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families. Mr. Bonnett commented on how the public is increasingly disconnected from farming and how an average Canadian does not understand what farmers do. “We can’t feed the world population with techniques used 100 years ago. Farmers recognize fertilizer as an important tool in growing crops.”
Patricia Davidson, Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, was the host of the breakfast event. With nitrogen fertilizer manufacturer and Foundation member Terra Industries Inc. in her riding, she said, “I have become more aware of the important role that the fertilizer industry contributes not only to the local economy via jobs, but also in replenishing the soil and allowing for the production of abundant, nutritious food. I applaud Nutrients for Life for carrying this message forward.”
Both government and farm representatives stressed the importance of industry, government and farmers working together to continue the good work of Nutrients for Life. In a time when the environment is a major topic of concern, the Foundation is another building block in a greener, more sustainable Canada.