Background
The Fertilizer Safety and Security Council (FSSC) initiative was launched in 2003 under the leadership of CFI. Membership is comprised of fertilizer manufacturers, distributors, agri-retailers, and as it evolves will include other companies and organizations with an interest in the fertilizer industry.
The concept of the FSSC stems from the desire of CFI and its members to take a leadership role in the stewardship of their products. The FSSC consults extensively with government on policy direction and regulatory issues.
Our mission is to promote the safe and secure manufacturing, handling, storage, transportation and application of commercial fertilizers thereby protecting employees, transportation workers, first responders, farmers and the general public from risk due to accidental release, environmental emergency, or criminal misuse of fertilizer products.
The FSSC approach has been to champion industry-led, world-class Codes of Practice and training programs to manage the risks of fertilizer products through their life-cycle.
The FSSC has also launched an updated awareness program regarding security measures for ammonium nitrate, which has been used in several terrorist incidents as an ingredient to make bombs. The program, \"On Guard for Canada\" includes a poster and brochures that were distributed to all agri-retailers across Canada.
The CFI Board of Directors has recognized the need to establish a Code of Practice geared to farmers for the storage and handling of nitrogen and liquid fertilizers and has directed CFI to develop the Code.
FSSC Programs
The FSSC develops and delivers programs to promote awareness as well as training to support stewardship of fertilizer products. Recent FSSC programs include:
- After several years of consultations, drafting, editing and communication, the Ammonia Code of Practice is the first initiative of its kind in the world, setting a new gold standard in fertilizer industry stewardship. This milestone sets a whole new set of challenges and opportunities for the FSSC to ensure that the program is successful and credible.
- The FSSC also supports the education of farmers, first responders, retailers/distributors and carriers on proper handling of ammonia products. For example, the anhydrous ammonia program for first responders increases awareness and provides training for fire fighters and police who may have to respond to incidents involving ammonia.
- Ammonium Nitrate Code of Practice established industry-wide standards for the safe and secure distribution and handling of ammonium nitrate to prevent products from criminal misuse.
- On Guard for Canada, an awareness program regarding security measures to protect ammonium nitrate