FAO and the International Fertilizer Association renew MoU to promote sustainable fertilizer use
Paris, France, 13 December 2021
FAO and the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) today renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), agreeing to promote the sustainable use and management of fertilizers and continue their long-lasting collaboration on fertilizer statistics.
The agreement was signed by FAO Deputy Director-General, Beth Bechdol, and IFA Chair and Yara CEO, Svein Tore Holsether, and witnessed by Director of FAO Plant Production and Protection Division, Jingyuan Xia, and IFA Director-General, Alzbeta Klein, at a virtual ceremony.
The agreement, which follows a previous MoU signed by FAO and IFA in October 2016, encompasses raising awareness about and disseminating the provisions of the International Code of Conduct for the Sustainable Use and Management of Fertilizers (Fertilizer Code), education and knowledge transfer through joint seminars, webinars and other events, as well as ongoing cooperation on fertilizer statistics.
“The fertilizer industry is committed to the sustainable production and use of fertilizers. We are proud to support the FAO’s vision of transformative change and innovation with measurable, sustainable impact and benefits,” said Svein Tore Holsether.
Under the agreement FAO and IFA will work together to promote the Fertilizer Code and its principles, focusing on meeting regional needs and priorities to ensure the proper use of this vital input that can help to transform agricultural systems for the better.
“It is a milestone agreement for IFA to bring the private sector to the forefront of the global issues that FAO is working on. The industry is ready to work with FAO to create more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life,” said Alzbeta Klein.
The MoU builds on an ongoing collaboration between the two organizations that has been in operation since the early 2000s and has covered topics such as measuring global fertilizer supply and demand, innovation in plant nutrition and many others.
“FAO is focussing on more active engagement with the private sector to transform food systems and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. This partnership with IFA will allow us to better understand and manage fertilizer use,” said Beth Bechdol.
Plant nutrition is central to ensuring global food security, increasing agricultural productivity and improving rural livelihoods. The sustainable use and management of fertilizers improves soil health and provides the right nutrients to produce healthy crops and high yields while reducing losses to the environment.
NOTE TO EDITORS
About the International Fertilizer Association
The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) was founded in 1927 and is the only global fertilizer association, with more than 400 members in some 70 countries and a mission to promote efficient and responsible production, distribution and use of plant nutrients. This mission plays a critical role in feeding the world sustainably. IFA represents providers of plant nutrition solutions. Members include fertilizer producers, traders and distributors, as well as their associations, service providers to the industry, research organizations, ag-tech startups and non-governmental organizations.
www.fertilizer.org Twitter: @FertilizerNews
About FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member states, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. We believe that everyone can play a part in ending hunger.
Media Contacts
Sam Joll, Communications Specialist, sjoll@fertilizer.org
