LONDON — The Ontario government is taking aim at supply chain issues that are causing fertilizer shortages by investing in 10 new and innovative projects as part of the $2 million Fertilizer Challenge. Funding through the Fertilizer Challenge is supporting Ontario made solutions to increase the availability of fertilizer options, alternatives, and technology, ensuring that farmers have the tools they need so that Ontarians can rely on a safe, stable and growing food supply.
“Our government will always do what it takes to support Ontario’s farmers, that’s why we developed the Fertilizer Challenge to help mitigate fertilizer supply chain issues,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Projects across the province are underway to provide farmers with fertilizer resources developed and produced right here in Ontario.”
Following consultations with farmers and the agri-food sector, Ontario launched the Fertilizer Challenge to address ongoing supply chain challenges, while promoting innovation in the province’s agri-food sector. Through the Challenge, the province is investing in Ontario made fertilizer projects that will be available and in market by the spring of 2024. Enabling more domestic production will reduce the province’s reliance on foreign fertilizers and further solidify the stability of the agricultural industry.
One of the 10 projects currently underway through the Fertilizer Challenge is in St. Thomas, Ontario. CRF AgriTech LP is a new innovative fertilizer manufacturing company with a patented coating that can be applied to a wide range of fertilizers. This product can reduce nutrient application rates while maintaining and improving current crop yields and reduce dependence on imported fertilizer. This unique and new form of combination and coated fertilizer is on track to begin production this spring.