Feeding the world’s growing population

New Zealand’s reputation as a quality food producer is growing.

Optimising food production

Over the next 50 years farmers around the world will need to produce more food than has been grown over the past 10,000 years.

Best use from a limited resource

Fertiliser helps farmers produce food efficiently by replenishing the soil. But fertiliser needs to be used responsibly.

Responsible and sustainable nutrient management

The Fertiliser Association invests in research and tools to ensure farm profitability while minimising nutrient losses to the environment.

The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand promotes and encourages responsible and scientifically-based nutrient management.

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Quality Assurance

Fertmark


Managed by the Fertiliser Quality Council, the Fertmark programme was established in 1992 to give New Zealand farmers confidence in the quality of fertilisers and associated advertising.


A Fertmark tick means that fertiliser has been independently audited to ensure accurate labelling of ingredients and that the product is as described.

Farmers can be confident that fertilisers supplied from Fertmark registered companies meet the claimed nutrient content and, if used as directed, do not pose hazards to food safety or animal welfare.

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Spreadmark


Spreadmark is a fertiliser spreading quality assurance programme managed by the Fertiliser Quality Council

It aims to place fertilisers in locations where they can be of the most agricultural benefit and the least environmental harm.


The Spreadmark logo gives farmers and growers assurance that the spreading company - ground or aerial - is certified to distribute the fertiliser accurately and evenly. It provides reassurance that:

  • spreader operators have been trained
  • equipment is independently assessed and systems audited
  • fertiliser is being applied at an even rate and distribution pattern
  • a Spreadmark operator will place fertiliser where they want it.

Spreadmark is run in conjunction with Fertmark, the fertiliser quality assurance scheme.

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Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme

The Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme (NMACP) is an industry-wide certification programme targeted at those who provide nutrient management advice to New Zealand farmers.

NMACP aims to ensure farmers receive nutrient management advice of the highest standard. Relevant qualifications and experience are essential. Once certified, advisers need to undertake continuing professional development each year.

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AIRCARE™

AIRCARE™ is an integrated accreditation programme for all aviation businesses, which brings flight safety and environmental management together into one safety assurance programme.

There are three parts to the programme: pilot competency, safety management system and third party audit. It is audited by Navigatus against their industry based standard. The programme provides guidelines on the aerial application of fertilisers.

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The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand and Dairy NZ funded development of the Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme (NMACP). This industry-wide certification aims to ensure that advisers have the learning, experience and capability to give sound nutrient advice.

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3 July 2024

An interest in farm sustainability and sustainable fertiliser management was the key driver behind Massey University student Theané de Klerk’s decision to focus her Master’s degree on New Zealand’s agricultural phosphorus budget. Theané is one of three students that the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand is currently supporting.

26 June 2024

The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand have updated our Fertiliser Use on New Zealand Sheep and Beef Farms booklet.

The booklet provides clear and concise information on key aspects of soil fertility and nutrient management for productive drystock farming. 

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