How is the Fertilizer Industry Addressing Water Quality Issues in Florida?
Florida’s most valuable natural resource is its waterways and 825 miles of coastline stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Millions of people come from around the world to swim, fish, surf, boat, kayak, paddleboard, or just sit and enjoy the incredible scenery.
But each year, those same coastlines and waterways are in the news for a different reason: water quality issues. Red tide and algal blooms are, unfortunately, something that Floridians have come to know all too well. While nutrients in the water are not the root cause of these natural events, they do feed them and contribute to the problem.
The fertilizer industry’s focus in addressing water quality issues is efficient and responsible usage of fertilizer on farms in Florida and beyond through what is known as 4R Nutrient Stewardship.
4R Nutrient Stewardship means using the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. Implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices is a scientifically proven way of keeping fertilizer on fields and out of waterways.
4R Case Studies: Potatoes, Tomatoes, Strawberries
TFI works with agricultural retailers in Florida and around the country to encourage farmer adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. TFI also announced in 2021 a goal of having 70 million US farming acres under 4R Nutrient Stewardship management by 2030.
Additionally, each year TFI recognizes teams of growers and agronomists who are successfully implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices and serving as examples by championing sound nutrient stewardship. Since 2012, the 4R Advocate Program has recognized 116 growers and retailers who manage 283,000 acres in 25 states, including 5 pairs from Florida. Read about this year’s 4R Advocates here.
Florida 4R Advocates
In 2012, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) launched a 4R Advocate program to recognize agricultural retailers and agricultural producers that are leading the way when it comes to implementing 4R nutrient stewardship on the farm.
The 4R framing advocates in Florida play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting the state’s water resources. By adopting the 4R approach, farmers can improve crop yields, improve water quality, and demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship.
2022
Grower: Brooks Garland, Lee Peanut Farms, Lee, Fla.
Crop Advisor: Keith Shaw, Mayo Ag Services, Mayo, Fla.
2020
Grower: John Hundley and Eric Hopkins, Hundley Farms, Belle Glade, Fla.
Crop Advisor: Tim Stein, Wedgworth’s Inc., Belle Glade, Fla.
2019
Grower: Dustin Grooms, Fancy Farms Inc., Plant City, FL
Crop Advisor: Jerrod Parker, Chemical Dynamics Inc., Plant City, FL
2018
Growers: Glenn and Mark Beck, Beck Brothers Citrus, Inc., Windermere, FL
Crop Advisor: Rob Watson, Griffin Fertilizer Company, Frostproof, FL
2017
Grower: Gary Reeder, West Coast Tomato, Palmetto, FL
Crop Advisor: Dennis Coleman, Crop Production Services, Parrish, FL
2013
Grower: Alan Jones, Jones Potato Inc., Parrish, FL
Retailer: Dennis Coleman, Crop Production Services, Parrish, FL
4Rs and Fertilizer in Florida
While beaches are the first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they think of Florida, agriculture is a driving force for the state’s economy. Florida farmers grow over 300 crops, boasts over 47,000 farms, and nearly 10 million acres of croplands. Florida is the country’s leading producer of oranges, sugarcane, tomatoes, and watermelons; is second in the production of strawberries; third in the production of cabbage, grapefruit, and fresh market sweet corn; and fourth in peanuts.
Even as Florida continues to be one of our nation’s agricultural powerhouses, fertilizer usage by farmers is down 50% since 1980. But the job isn’t done yet, and TFI and our industry partners continue to push for greater adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices so that farmers can continue growing the food our world depends on while also being good stewards of the environment and protecting Florida’s natural resources and waterways.
Get Involved
To stay up to date on the fertilizer industry’s efforts to protect Florida’s waterways and unique ecosystems, click here.
You can also quickly and easily let your members of Congress know that they can support 4R Nutrient Stewardship by including a number of research and application provisions in the upcoming Farm Bill. To take action and learn more about how the Farm Bill can help improve Florida’s water quality, click here.
Additionally, please share your feedback with TFI by emailing us at water@tfi.org
