• productivity
• environmental stewardship
• food safety
Why is Fertcare of value?
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Prudent fertiliser and soil amendment use can sustain or improve agricultural productivity and profitability which makes a significant contribution to global food, fibre and energy production.
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Fertiliser and soil amendments can harm the environment and cause food safety issues particularly at the point of end use. Informing farmers about these risks and referring them to sound advice on how to manage this risk is essential.
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Fertcare uses the best available evidence (science) to guide nutrient management practices and standards for sampling, laboratory analysis and interpretation.
What is the purpose of Fertcare?
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Demonstrate effective management of nutrient issues that are of interest to farmers, natural resource managers and the general public.
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Encourage improved agricultural productivity and profitability through the efficient use of fertiliser and soil amendments.
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Provide a vehicle for the fertiliser industry to engage with stakeholders and participate in public policy development on nutrient management and food safety matters.
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Help the industry manage environment and food safety risks associated with the end use of fertiliser.
There are two main components of the program:
Fertcare supports and aligns with the international 4R Nutrient Stewardship concept for fertiliser best management practices. The core of this simple concept is applying the right source of plant nutrients (or product) at the right rate at the right time and in the right place. This approach considers economic, social and environmental dimensions of nutrient management and is essential to the sustainability of agricultural systems. For a short video clip which explains the concept Click Here. For more detailed information on 4R Click Here.
Click here for an overview of what Fertcare means for a farmer.
Click here for the Fertcare Booklet
Click here for the Fertcare Handbook - a detailed description of the framework, rules and operation of the program
Click here for the Fertcare Style Guide - guide to maintain consistency where the trademark protected Fertcare logo is used
Testimonials
Scott Clark: Operations Manager – Brighton, Impact Fertilisers
Scott Clark is Impact Fertilisers’ Operations Manager at Brighton, Tasmania. His team stores, blends and distributes fertilisers to other parts of
Tasmania. Scott completed the Fertcare Handling training about a year ago.
“I did the course online and it was good to be able to do it in my own time. It’s vital that I know what each fertiliser does and understand how it's broken down into nutrient elements, what you can and can’t mix and how to do blends. You have to be careful how you store different products, too; it has to reach the customer in the best condition for spreading, and that requires product knowledge. My team has to understand labelling, which is important for safe handling. The Fertcare knowledge is great.”
Simon Eisenkoek: Executive Manager, Operations – Summit Fertilisers
"I was initially drawn to the Fertcare training as it was offered online to ease the burden of mobility, paving the opportunity for you to attend
from the comfort of your home or office.
"This online training was very beneficial to me and relevant in my career field of shipping and logistics at Summit Fertilizers. It addresses environmental, food safety and Occupational Health and Safety issues associated with transport, storage and spreading of fertiliser and soil amendments. It has helped me enormously at port and shed. I loved the content of this course training, it was so interesting, Kudos to the organisers and facilitators at Fertilizer Australia."
Demi Tamaresis: Customer Service – Impact Fertilisers
Demi Tamaresis is a Customer Support Officer with Impact Fertilisers and a graduate of Fertcare’s online Fertiliser Handling course.
Demi said it’s a company requirement that staff undertake Fertcare training to help them support their customers with basic Fertiliser knowledge and understanding.
“I did the Fertcare Handling course online about six months after I started. It was straightforward and easy to understand. I don’t have to advise customers in my role, but I feel confident that I can provide the right information when asked about products and how to use them.” Demi sees her future in the fertiliser industry and hopes to continue her Fertcare training.