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DISCUSSION No. 147 • FSN Forum digest No. 1331
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Online consultation for developing the Code of Conduct for the Management of Fertilizers
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until 11 February 2018
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Dear Members,
Today we would like to send you an update on the
Online consultation for developing the Code of Conduct for the Management of Fertilizers (CoCoFe). With this message we are also
glad to announce that the discussion facilitators have decided to extend the deadline to February 11th.
Please find below the summaries of the latest contributions received and a feedback message from Ronald Vargas, co-facilitator
of this exchange.
Ronald acknowledges the richness of the contributions received so far, which will help the team in further developing
the CoCoFe. He also introduces additional discussion questions on measuring the progress of distribution and adoption of the CoCoFe, and on addressing the concerns of different stakeholders.
Please visit the webpage in
English,
French or
Spanish for the full introduction to the consultation topic. You can post your contribution directly online upon
registration to the FSN Forum, or send it to
[log in to unmask].
We look forward to keep receiving your valuable input!
Your FSN Forum Team
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Ronald Vargas, co-facilitator
of the consultation
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Dear Participants,
I would like to thank all of you once again for your contributions to this discussion and for your valuable feedback that
will enable us to develop a Code of Conduct for the Management of Fertilizers (CoCoFe). In the last week, we have received 14 contributions and the commentary below intents to further fuel the discussion.
For any newcomers, please look at our last contribution for the link of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide
Management in order to have a better idea of the formatting and content of the CoCoFe.
The new comments seem to be related to the comments we have received since the beginning of the discussion and include
the change in formulation and phrasing of the objectives, inclusion of regional specificities, changes in the scope and target audience of the CoCoFe, and the inclusion of all relevant inputs and not only synthetic fertilizers. Please know that we are taking
all of your comments into consideration.
New and interesting topics have also been received such as:
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The need of having a way to measure or quantify the progress of distribution and adoption of the CoCoFe.
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The Inclusion of various types of wastes (agricultural waste, manure, industrial waste etc.).
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The protection and promotion of endogenous knowledge of fertilizer production at the local level such as composting.
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The acknowledgment of lack of technical knowledge on how to deal with fertilizers and agricultural waste in some areas/ regions.
With these comments in mind, I would like to add that the CoCoFe will attempt to tackle some of the points mentioned above
such as bio-waste storage and recycling, and farmer technical assistance.
We would also like to invite you to address the following points:
What would be a good way to measure or quantify the progress of distribution and adoption of the CoCoFe?
Keeping in mind that the CoCoFe will serve as a guiding framework for all Member States, what should be included
in order for the code of conduct to help address different stakeholders?
We are looking forward to further discussions as we jointly explore how we might strengthen the CoCoFe.
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CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED
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Zahangir
Hossain, University of Newcastle, Australia
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Zahangir thinks that the objectives for the CoCoFe are appropriate, and points out that biochar can contribute to realizing
sustainable agriculture.
Read
the contribution
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Eyongetta
Njieassam, University of Dschang, Cameroon
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According to Eyongetta, efforts should focus on encouraging organic fertilizer. Environmental education in schools and
farmers’ training could draw attention to the advantages of organic fertilizers over artificial ones.
Read
the contribution
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Naveen
Paudyal, UNICEF, Nepal
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Naveen believes that the objectives of the CoCoFe are appropriate, but suggests to add two more, including “protecting
and promoting the endogenous knowledge of fertilizer production”. Furthermore, for CoCoFe to achieve the maximum positive impact, the possibility of transforming bio-waste from urban households into fertilizer should be considered. Naveen also stresses that
the CoCoFe should be adaptable in order to suit different country contexts.
Read
the contribution
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Annah
Mutinda, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Kenya
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Annah argues that the CoCoFe should take into account manufacturers, distributors and users of inorganic, organic and
biofertilizers. She believes that the CoCoFe will assist in promoting the responsible and judicious use of fertilizers if accompanied by proper implementation and enforcement mechanisms, as well as a reward/sanctions system. In addition, awareness creation
and capacity building for the actors involved will be required.
Read
the contribution
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Pitam
Chandra, ICAR, India
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Pitam argues that we need to move from general prescriptions for fertilizers application to precise applications of soil
nutrients, which is facilitated by modern technology.
Read
the contribution
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Terry
Roberts, International Plant Nutrition Institute, United States of America
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Terry posts comments on behalf of scientists at the International Plant Nutrition Institute, which address all the questions
posed for discussion and provide specific suggestions to be considered in further developing the CoCoFe. For instance, the contribution argues that the CoCoFe’s aim and focus should go beyond overuse and underuse (the “right rate”) and also address “right
source, right time, right place” to optimize impacts on food security, soil quality, water and air resources, and the environment in general.
Read
the contribution
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Lal
Manavado, University of Oslo affiliate, Norway
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In sharing his view on what needs to be taken into account while developing the CoCoFe, Lal lists a number of points
to be considered in relation to fertilizer use. For instance, he argues that a careful distinction should be made between the use of fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and an ‘increased crop yield’, as the latter will legitimize the use of plant growth
accelerators which are known to pose very serious threats to human and environmental health.
Read
the contribution
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Porfirio
Fuentes, International Fertilizer Development Center, United States of America
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In his second contribution to this consultation, Porfirio re-emphasizes the need to include the supply and the demand
side of the fertilizer industry. While focusing only on the demand side will help reduce negative externalities related to the environment and human health, an holistic approach which also considers
the supply side will minimize environmental contamination and health hazards.
Read
the contribution
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