Richardson International’s Commitment to 4R Nutrient Stewardship Bolsters Canada’s Position as Global Leader in Sustainable Agriculture

Western Canadian farmers lead the world in sustainability.

This fact has long been recognized by Richardson International, but a recent report from the Global Institute for Food Security solidifies it as an absolute truth. Canada’s embrace of modern agricultural technologies and practices—such as minimum tillage, herbicide-tolerant canola, and effective crop rotation—has set a standard that outpace global competitors. At the same time, the continued adoption of fertilizer best management practices, also known as 4R Nutrient Stewardship, has helped transform Canada’s crop production sector from a known greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter to a net carbon sinker.

4R Nutrient Stewardship (4R) is Fertilizer Canada’s science-based framework designed to optimize fertilizer use in agriculture, achieving economic, social, and environmental objectives. The “4Rs” refer to applying fertilizer at the right source, right rate, right time, and right place.

As the global push to reduce GHG emissions intensifies—from government bodies and consumers to food production companies—Richardson recognizes the growing importance of 4R and is supporting Canadian farmers in adopting this practice, further solidifying the country’s position as the world’s most sustainable agricultural producers.

At the forefront of Richardson’s commitment to 4R is Cheyne Ogilvie, Director of Ag Innovation and Stewardship. With a master’s degree in soil science from the University of Saskatchewan, Ogilvie oversees the company’s agronomic strategy to develop more sustainable food systems. This includes leading crop trials at Richardson Farms, where 100% of acres are 4R designated, and evaluating new technologies and products within the 4R framework.

Using trial data, Ogilvie informs Richardson Pioneer, the company’s agribusiness sector, on key findings. “Our Richardson Pioneer Agronomic Solutions Team leads with agronomy,” says Ogilvie. “Using agronomic research from our Farms, which is centered on local conditions and products available to Western Canada, the agronomy team’s data is especially valuable in supporting their farmers’ 4R goals, simultaneously improving crop yields, increasing profitability, and reducing off-target fertilizer losses.”

For example, after testing an enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizer product, CirrusX, in 2023 canola trials, Richardson Farms saw a 5 bushel per acre increase in yield and a 10.5% reduction in GHG emissions intensity. These results, gathered by Ogilvie’s team, have influenced Richardson Pioneer’s broader strategy to promote CirrusX to farmers as an effective, results-driven solution to achieving productivity, profitability, and 4R acre targets.

In terms of real-world impact, the data is clear. Since 2019, Richardson Pioneer’s reported 4R acres have surged from 179,000 to 3.7 million, now representing 36% of Western Canada’s total 4R acreage. With these numbers trending upward every year, Canada is poised to maintain its position as leaders in sustainable agriculture—a title that Richardson is proud to support through 4R research, education, and advocacy. As the 2025 growing season approaches, Ogilvie and the Richardson Pioneer agronomy team will continue putting in the work to champion 4R Nutrient Stewardship as the pathway to sustainable agriculture.

Watch Our YouTube Series on 4R Nutrient Stewardship