Industry program to educate consumers on use of fertilizer

OTTAWA, Oct. 20 /CNW/ - The fertilizer industry welcomes the government of Ontario's decision to streamline its waste diversion programs and will support this decision by developing a public education program for lawn fertilizer use.

"Fertilizer makes lawns and gardens green and healthy. It's too valuable to put out with the trash," said Clyde Graham, Vice-President of the Canadian Fertilizer Institute.

Environment Minister John Wilkinson announced earlier this week that the Ontario government is permanently ending the household waste program that took effect on July 1. The end of the program means the end of any consumer fees being charged to pay for that particular program.

The Ontario fertilizer industry is committed to rolling out a public education program for homeowners and municipalities. The program will be completely funded by industry.

Key messages will include:  

• Fertilizer is too valuable to throw away  
• Read the bag  
• Know the size of your lawn  
• Buy what you need  
• Choose the right product  
• Use it up following label directions
• Right rate. Right place. Right time.
• Choose the right product  
• Share or store leftover fertilizer for next year

Consumer education is the best tool for ensuring the fertilizer products do not end up in the waste stream. The Program will also educate homeowners on Right Product @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place® best management practices. Fertilizer is food for plants.

Lawn fertilizers are the same substances which are used by Ontario farmers to grow the food which we eat, and are the same substances which are specifically regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Fertilizers should not normally be thrown away, because like a soap or detergent, they are meant to be used up. They can be saved and used over a long period of time without product degradation.

The fertilizer industry believes that the Minister has made a decision that is cost-effective and balances the needs of all stakeholders who want to work cooperatively to protect the Ontario environment.

CFI is the unified voice of the fertilizer industry in Canada and, through the Urban Fertilizer Council, represents lawn and garden fertilizer companies such as Scotts Canada Ltd., Premier Tech Home & Garden and Agrium Advanced Technologies.

For further information:

Media Contact:
Catherine King: 613-786-3026
[email protected]