Safety and security for agricultural ammonium nitrate

OTTAWA, Jan. 4, 2016 /CNW/ - Fertilizer Canada's Agricultural Ammonium Nitrate Code of Practice is now in full force -embodying robust industry standards for the safety and security of agricultural ammonium nitrate fertilizer.

The Agricultural Ammonium Nitrate Code of Practice is mandatory for Fertilizer Canada members. The Code of Practice parallels federal regulation outlining best practices for the safe and secure storage and handling of ammonium nitrate.

Ammonium Nitrate is a valuable fertilizer predominantly used in Eastern Canada to help farmers produce healthy and abundant food. The Code is designed to assist shippers, sellers, handlers, customers and end-users to become aware of and to assist in their compliance with the regulatory environment. An incident involving ammonium nitrate is rare and preventable with responsible handling and storage practices, as instituted through the Code of Practice. Canada has among the world's most stringent government regulations and industry standards for fertilizer security.

 "Ensuring fertilizer safety requires coordination among all stakeholders, from facility to farm gate. The Canadian fertilizer industry champions this industry-led, world-class Codes of Practice to manage the risks of fertilizer products throughout their life-cycle," said Garth Whyte, President and CEO of Fertilizer Canada.

The Agricultural Ammonium Nitrate Code of Practice requires manufacturers, distributors, and agri-retailers who sell, distribute, or store ammonium nitrate to provide their employees with accessible training resources and information and to assist in complying with federal regulations.

"Fertilizer Canada and our members continue to work with industry, farmers and government to continuously evaluate and improve the Code of Practice's requirements to ensure the continued safety of our communities," said Whyte.

Educational resources supporting the Agricultural Ammonium Nitrate Code of Practice are available on Fertilizer Canada's website – including the Ammonium Nitrate Security eLearning course, the Ammonium Nitrate Storage Practices Brochure and the On Guard for Canada Program.

The Agricultural Ammonium Nitrate Code of Practice is a part of Fertilizer Canada's Safety and Security program demonstrating product stewardship, a pillar of our industry.

Fertilizer Canada represents manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilizers. The fertilizer industry plays an essential role in Canada's economy, contributing over $12 billion annually and 12,000 jobs. The association is committed to supporting the fertilizer industry with innovative research and programming while advocating sustainability, stewardship, safety and security through standards and Codes of Practice. Please visit fertilizercanada.ca.

SOURCE Fertilizer Canada

For further information: MEDIA CONTACTS: Elizabeth Smith, Manager, Communications, Fertilizer Canada, [email protected], C: [phone]