As we head into the spring fertilizer season, all fertilizer distributors need to be aware of major changes in the Illinois Fertilizer Act.  As in the past, fertilizer distributors that sell product to the end user must remit tonnage reports to IDA and remit an inspection fee of 25 cents per ton.  The inspection fee remains 25 cents, but there is a new assessment of 75 cents that must also be paid to the new Nutrient Research & Education Council (NREC) on tons sold this fall.  The NREC assessment went into effect on August 15, 2012.  NREC is held outside of state government, and controlled by the ag industry, so the funds can no longer be swept, enabling us to invest in our nutrient future.  

 

At the IFCA homepage http://www.ifca.com you can click on "Changes to the Illinois Fertilizer Act" and read the new Public Act 97-0960.  There is also a tri-fold color brochure that explains the NREC program and the seven projects it has just funded for 2013, as well as a one page recommendation sheet with tips on explaining the program and handling the new assessments.  IFCA will make copies of the brochure available free of charge, so please call us at 309.827.2774 or email leslief@ifca.com to request copies.  We encouage you to share this information with your customers so that they are aware of this new initiative.  Without NREC, our industry is vulnerable to regulations on fertilizer sources, rates, timing and application methods.  We need science, outreach and demonstrable practices to respond to our critics.  Illinois is often listed as a leading contributor to Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico because we are a significant user of nutrients and our tile-drained landscape challenges us to find new ways to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce nutrient losses.  If we cannot demonstrate that we can meet these challenges without regulation, then regulation is surely in our future, possibly our near future. 

 

We need your help to communicate these changes throughout the fertilizer industry and to your farmer-customers.  NREC is an exciting new venture for Illinois agriculture and one that is deperately needed.  NREC helps fund the "Keep it for the Crop" nutrient stewardship initiative headed up by Dan Schaefer, Director of Nutrient Stewardship.  Dan is currently working with ag retailers in six priority watersheds in Illinois to take an inventory of soil nitrate levels this fall so that we have data to respond to nutrient issues following this year's drought.  If nutrient losses from a failed crop occur, we must be able to explain how and why this is happening so that no particular practice, such as fall applied nitrogen, is blamed if nutrient losses occur this fall, winter, or in the early spring.  This is just one example of the proactive approach the Illinois nutrient industry is taking to ensure that we take a strong leadership role in our nutrient future.  Ag retailers and CCAs will play a major role in the development and success of NREC funded programs that will focus on improving crop yields, enhancing nutrient efficiency and reducing nutrient losses. 

 

It is a condition of your license to sell fertilizer to remit the NREC assessment and the IDA inspection fee when you submit your tonnage reports early next year on tons sold this fall.  IDA will provide instructions at that time on how to remit the separate payments to NREC and to IDA. 

 

If you have any questions please contact Jean Payne at (309) 827.2774.  Thanks for your help in spreading the word about the NREC and our industry's leadership role in assuring a nutrient future that allows individual choice when it comes to nutrient source, rate, time and place.