Fert Research – Code of Practice

Keeping the fertiliser industry current

The Brief

First developed in 1998 and updated in 2002, the fertiliser industry’s Code of Practice for Fertiliser Use had become part of numerous regional council plans and quality assurance programmes and was well-regarded by the agricultural sector. However, a number of new issues coupled with a shift in the concept of ‘fertiliser’ to ‘nutrients’ led to the need for a new Code to address the emerging challenges.  Our brief was to achieve a new Code that would be widely accepted and meet the needs of a number of diverse audiences, while maintaining the credibility and goodwill established with the first Code.

Our Solution

Moving from a narrow focus on fertiliser to the wider concept of nutrient management was central to the new approach.  Working closely with Fert Research, the content of the new Code of Practice for Nutrient Management was developed.  It then went through a thorough consultation process and user testing to ensure that it was relevant to its audiences.  Finally, the new Code was adapted into an interactive online document, to make the information available to all farmers along with site-specific planning templates.

The Results

The consultation process was successful in engaging key stakeholders and enabling them to have their feedback considered – this was crucial to gaining widespread acceptance of the new Code.  The end result was a robust, wide-ranging information source that met the needs of local and central government, the fertiliser industry, allied agricultural sector groups and end users; the farmer.  The online accessibility and search functions are user friendly and appropriate to multiple audiences.

The Code was officially launched in Wellington to an influential audience by Minister of Agriculture, Jim Anderton.  Media coverage was achieved in target outlets such as rural publications and Radio NZ’s Rural Report.  The new Code has helped the Fert Research maintain its relevance to the industry, enabling it to continue to demonstrate industry best practices, promote a whole farm approach to nutrient management and advocate for the coexistence of sustainable production and environmental goals.