February 2013

UN: Efficient Fertilizer Use Key to Clean Planet

February 25th, 2013

From Farm Futures


"Study claims efficient fertilizer use could result in net savings worth more than $170 million.


A 20% improvement in fertilizer efficiency by 2020 would reduce nitrogen use by 20 million metric tons, according to a report commissioned by the United Nations Environmental Program.


The report was released at a forum held last week in Nairobi, Kenya, and was developed by nearly 50 experts from 14 countries.


The experts are calling the campaign to improve nitrogen efficiency "20:20 for 2020. Their analysis shows how this could provide a net savings worth more than $170 million by the end of 2020 through intergovernmental framework to address fertilizer use."


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Senate votes to increase fertilizer inspection fees

February 6th, 2013

From Rapid City Journal


"PIERRE | State inspection fees on fertilizers should be raised, the state Senate decided Tuesday.


The additional revenue would be used to fund fertilizer research at the Agricultural Experiment Station at South Dakota State University.


There are national watershed concerns about nitrogen and phosphorus levels. State officials said they want to establish agricultural recommendations specific to South Dakota’s conditions.


Farm lobbyists estimate the additional fee revenue would be approximately $300,000 annually. The various fees now range from 5 cents to 25 cents per ton. The legislation would add 15 cents to each of those fees.


Senators voted 30-5 in favor of SB115. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.


The legislation also forms a state council on nutrient research and education.


Senate Democratic leader Jason Frerichs of Wilmot said the real need is to update fertilizer recommendations for farmers."


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State justified in suspending fertilizer deal

February 6th, 2013

From Courierpress:


"Controversy surrounding a proposed fertilizer production plant in Posey County raises serious questions about whether a Pakistani company is cooperating enough with U.S. efforts to reduce the illicit use of fertilizer in homemade explosives used against our troops in Afghanistan.


The issue reaches far from the port of Mount Vernon where Midwest Fertilizer Corp. proposes to build the plant with assistance from the Indiana Finance Authority. That state assistance is now on hold, and for good reason.


It’s complicated, but suffice it to say that the U.S. is investigating whether fertilizer from the Asian country is finding its way into deadly improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in neighboring Afghanistan, and whether enough is being done to stop it."


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