Foro Global sobre Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (Foro FSN)

Hello everyone:

I would like to propose two additions, which are important from my point of view, namely:

1. Into “Terms and definition”:

Fertilizer: a substance that is used to provide nutrients to plants, usually via application to the soil, but also to foliage or through water in rice systems, fertigation, hydroponics or aquaculture operations. (I propose to change “provide” on “improve/provide” because as a rule fertilizers do not replace nutrition from soil but improve it).

2. Into 3.5 “Government should”:

Add 3.5.7. “Provide control on the quality of inorganic fertilizers regarding possible effect on soil health and properly information about this issue”.

Regards,

Mykola

Good evening everyone,

Thank you to find attached my contribution via these two answers :

• Is an International Code of Conduct for the Use and Management of Fertilizers beneficial and useful? Who, and why?

Beneficial:

- To farmers

This code of conduct for the use and management of fertilizers is beneficial in that it will harmonize agricultural practices worldwide.

 Because currently, the use of certain fertilizers suspected for their harmfulness is not prohibited in all the countries ... which does not however prevent the commercial trade of the agricultural products resulting from these agricultures.

This situation disadvantages some farmers (subject to legal restrictions) for the benefit of other farmers (not subject to the same laws) in a competitive market that does not always look at the production patterns of the agricultural products in question, particularly the use of fertilizers. .

- The world population / consumers

This international code of conduct meets the expectations of the world's population, who are increasingly conscious and concerned about the quality of the food they eat, the quality of life of others, their environment and the environmental disturbances that weigh on their lives. health.

Today, many consumers will refuse to consume agricultural products if they are made aware of the fact that farmers (whatever the geographical location) are sick because of the use of fertilizers ... or if this fertilizer represents a potential risk to his health.

Thanks to this code, the traceability of the agricultural product becomes possible (from its conception to the plate)

This international code of conduct is a tool that will reassure the population about global agricultural practices, the state of health of the environment by giving elements.

The interest of the international organizations (FAO, United Nations, EU, etc.) in the use and management of fertilizers testifies to the humanism shown by such organizations. This will boost confidence in the world's population.

- The scientists

This International Code of Conduct is a relevant reference tool for the global scientific community, as it will facilitate its work, particularly in clinical research in public health. Indeed, the harmonization of practices required by this code will facilitate the establishment of a study on a global scale.

Subsequently, it can serve as a support to define and / or redefine a number of good / new practices according to the evolution of knowledge.

Scientists will be able to deepen knowledge on the use and management of fertilizers and thus be able to anticipate certain positive or negative events

• Do you have any other suggestions or comments that are not addressed in the questions above? If yes, please specify.

Nature is by definition balanced ...

With time, modernization, evolution ...

Not having realized this fact early enough, Man to contribute to this manifest imbalance ...

It is not too late …

It is through such actions that we will one day return to the sources of life.

 We hope that this tool (This international code of conduct) will be the instrument of the well-being of Man and Nature.

 We believe that placing unconditional love at the center of every action will lead us to a better future.

Dr.h.c Audrey POMIER FLOBINUS

Humanity For The World (HFTW)

Bonsoir à tous,

Merci de trouver ci-joint ma contribution via ces deux réponses :

• Un Code international de conduite pour l'utilisation et la gestion des engrais est-il bénéfique et utile? A qui, et pourquoi?

Bénéfique :

- Aux agriculteurs

Ce code de conduite pour l’utilisation et la gestion des engrais est bénéfique dans la mesure où il permettra d’harmoniser les pratiques agricoles à l’échelle mondiales.

Parce que présentement, l’utilisation de certains engrais suspectés pour leur nocivité n’est pas interdite dans tous les pays … ce qui n’empêche pas pour autant les échanges commerciaux des produits agricoles issus de ces agricultures.

Cette situation désavantage certains agriculteurs (soumis à des restrictions légales) au profit d’autres agriculteurs (non soumis aux mêmes lois) sur un marché concurrentiel pas toujours regardant sur les modalités de production des produits agricoles en question, notamment sur l’utilisation des engrais.

- La population mondiale /consommateurs

Ce code international de conduite répond aux attentes de la population mondiale de plus en plus consciente et soucieuse de la qualité de la nourriture qu’elle consomme, de la qualité de vie d’autrui, de son environnement et des perturbations environnementales qui pèsent sur sa santé.

Aujourd’hui, beaucoup de consommateurs refuseront de consommer des produits agricoles si est porté à leur connaissance le fait que des agriculteurs (quelque soit le lieu géographique) soient malades à cause de l’utilisation d’engrais … ou encore si cet engrais représente un risque potentiel pour sa santé.

Grâce à ce code, la traçabilité du produit agricole devient possible (de sa conception jusqu’à l’assiette)

Ce code international de conduite est un outil qui permettra de rassurer la population sur les pratiques agricoles mondiales, sur l’état de santé de l’environnement en donnant des éléments.

L’intérêt que portent les organisations internationales (FAO, Nations Unies, UE…etc.) sur l’utilisation et la gestion des engrais témoignent de l’humanisme dont font preuve de telles organisations. Ce qui renforcera la confiance à la population mondiale.

- Les scientifiques

Ce code international de conduite est un outil pertinent, de référence pour la communauté scientifique mondiale, dans la mesure où il facilitera ses travaux, notamment en matière de recherche clinique en santé publique. En effet, l’harmonisation des pratiques voulues par ce code facilitera la mise en place d’étude à l’échelle mondiale.

Par la suite, il pourra servir de support pour définir et/ou redéfinir un certain nombre de bonnes / nouvelles pratiques en fonction de l’évolution des connaissances.

Les scientifiques pourront approfondir les connaissances quant à l’utilisation et la gestion des engrais et ainsi être en capacité d’anticiper certains évènements positifs ou négatifs

• Avez-vous d'autres suggestions ou commentaires qui ne sont pas traités dans les questions ci-dessus? Dans l'affirmative, veuillez préciser.

La nature est par définition équilibrée...

Avec le temps, la modernisation, l‘évolution…

N’ayant pas pris conscience suffisamment tôt de ce fait, l’Homme à contribuer à ce manifeste déséquilibre…

Il n’est pas trop tard …

C’est par de telles actions que nous parviendrons un jour de revenir aux sources de la vie.

Nous espérons que cet outil (Ce code international de conduite) sera l’instrument du bien-être de l’Homme et de la Nature.

Nous pensons que placer un amour inconditionnel au centre de chaque action, nous mènera vers un avenir meilleur.

Dr.h.c Audrey POMIER FLOBINUS

Humanity For The World (HFTW)

Thanks for the opportunity to contribute. 

Would suggest as per my comments that we have simplified derivative statements / voluntary standards that iNGOs can officially sign onto. 

Further, think that the document itself is missing lime / liming as key elements of fertilization / ISFM strategies. "Promotion of soil correction (3.6.4)" is too weak a statement. 

Best regards,

Carl Wahl

Global Agriculture Advisor

Concern Worldwide

Please see my comments in the attached file. 

Is an International Code of Conduct for the Use and Management of Fertilizers beneficial and useful? To whom, and why?

Yes, it could be of interest for all stakeholders involved in the fertilizer value channel. The document is well structured and focused on the general principles of the use and rational management of fertilizers.

Does this Fertilizer Code of Conduct address all aspects necessary to ensure the responsible use of fertilizers, optimizing benefits while minimizing risks?

Even though it is a good approximation and covers most of the aspects involved in the efficient management and use of fertilizers, it requires clarifying aspects related to its applicability:

1. It presents little information regarding "how to do" or implement general recommendations and guidelines, especially those pertaining to governments. I think that this could be solved by illustrating each topic with successful examples taken from member countries.
2. The monitoring issue is very weak. The issue must be focused on a baseline or diagnosis of the initial situation of each country, which determines limitations and bottlenecks that lead to establish an action plan and priorities, to then be able to measure progress in each of the aspects considered.

Are there any topics or subject matter missing from this Fertilizer Code of Conduct? If so, what are they?

This aspect was covered in the previous question.

Are there redundancies or unnecessary items or subjects within this Code of Conduct? If so, what are they?

I think an effort could be made to integrate the point 3 Soil Fertility and Nutrition of the Plants, with the point 4 Use and Management of Fertilizers. Both are closely related.

Dear all,

Some comments in the attached files.

Best Regards

Dear Forumites,

Please find uploaded tracked changes of the code of conduct for fertilizer usage and further answers to questions posed.

Thank you!

Is an International Code of Conduct for the Use and Management of Fertilizers beneficial and useful? To whom, and why?

It is very beneficial and useful to increase fertilizer use efficiency and reduce the negative impact of fertilizers especially chemical fertilizers, for governments, technicians, producers and users (framers) of fertilizers. Because the Use and Management of Fertilizer let them know the best option use and management fertilizers.

Does this Fertilizer Code of Conduct address all aspects necessary to ensure the responsible use of fertilizers, optimizing benefits while minimizing risks?

I feel address almost all aspects necessary.

Are there any topics or subject matter missing from this Fertilizer Code of Conduct? If so, what are they?

Combining chemical fertilizer and manure is simple and key method to increase fertilizer use efficiency and food quality, to decrease loss of fertilizer nutrients and pollution. This method may mention in context of the Code.

Are there redundancies or unnecessary items or subjects within this Code of Conduct? If so, what are they?

All of them are necessary.

Do you have any other suggestions or comments not covered in the above questions? If so, please elaborate.

I have not any further comments and suggestions so far.

Is an International Code of Conduct for the Use and Management of Fertilizers beneficial and useful? To whom, and why?

The ICoCoforManagement of fertilizer is very fabulous and helpful Mostly to rural in habitants this is because rural in habitants depend on agriculture that other areas. The policy is very beneficial to Africa continent because it is the continent with higher percentage of Agriculture defendants and unfortunately with low level of Agriculture practices.

Does this Fertilizer Code of Conduct address all aspects necessary to ensure the responsible use of fertilizers, optimizing benefits while minimizing risks?

For it is good and have at list look to many aspects of beneficiaries but focus should be

Considered well. Example hiring some workers to vulgarize/sensibilize

Are there any topics or subject matter missing from this Fertilizer Code of Conduct? If so, what are they?

Quantitative and qualitative content topics should be formulated, i.e the quantity of fertilizer to be applied to which crop or what type of soils, the quantity of emulsion concentration (EC) of fertilizers, this is because some fertilizers are very concentrated and very toxic once mal-dozed. This is not promising to the local low trained users, in other words fertilizers should not be highly dozed complicated.

Are there redundancies or unnecessary items or subjects within this Code of Conduct? If so, what are they?

There are no very redundancies detected sofar, it is helping to many extents and so good, for sure the the team have done the best

Do you have any other suggestions or comments not covered in the above questions? If so, please elaborate.

I would have made comments but the zero-document is promising to help much

Dear John Quinton,

Thank you for your helpful contribution. We do agree that greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizers have an important environmental impact and we also agree on the importance of emphasizing the different risks including the issue of water pollution. It was decided that the evidence regarding these issues has been well documented and that it would therefore not require us to go into much details. The aim was to focus on the different actions that can be taken by different stakeholders to minimize these negative environmental effects. As you have mentioned, the code is already very long and we tried to avoid redundancies. Items 1.3.3, 4.2 and 4.9.2 address atmospheric emissions and items 1.3.5, 3.6.5, 4.2 address the issue of water pollution. We will look at these more closely and determine whether these important issues were properly approached and sufficiently addressed.

Dear Olegario Muniz,

Thank you for your helpful contribution. There seems to be a misunderstanding about this code putting fertilizers and pesticides in the same bag. This was not done purposefully and we will definitely work on this in order to avoid any misunderstandings. We do agree that the purpose of these two products are different and that safety issues are more serious when it comes to pesticides. However, there are also some risks (both environmental and related to human and animal health) that are associated with fertilizers. It is therefore important to address them accordingly.

Dear Negash Tegegn,

Thank you for your helpful contribution. We did mention biochar in the section on nutrient reuse and recycling, more specifically in item 5.1. We realize that due to the length of the document and the way it is organized it can be a little hard to find certain items. We also agree that fertilizer adulteration is an important issue. I believe that the sections on composition, labelling but also on the sale of fertilizers touches upon the topic but we could add another item that specifically tackles the issue of fertilizer adulteration.

Dear Joseph Ahenda,

Thank you for your helpful contribution and feedback. We will be using your feedback in the new draft of the code. As for soil conditioners, it can be a little bit tricky as not all soil conditioners contain plant nutrients, which are the only soil amendments that we are including in this code of conduct. Some of these soil conditioners, especially those that provide nutrients or improve accessibility of nutrients to plants can be mentioned in the code.