Canadian Fertilizer Quality Assurance Program (CFQAP)

Introduction

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada undertook a management review of the Department's Fertilizer Program in 1987. They approached the issues with the objective of identifying a means to implement an effective monitoring program while ensuring there would be no compromise in health and safety.

Since 1997, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has been responsible for the monitoring of fertilizer products as well as the administration of the Canadian Fertilizer Quality Assurance Program (CFQAP).

There have also been technological advances within the industry in the manufacturing and testing of their products. Many companies today participate in sophisticated quality assurance programs to monitor their production. The Canadian Fertilizer Quality Assurance Program recognizes these quality assurance efforts and maximizes industry responsibility in this area.

This approach does not reduce the government's responsibility or commitment in regulating fertilizer quality and safety. It does, however, recognize industry's own quality assurance efforts and provides fairer monitoring of individual companies in the marketplace. The program allows the CFIA to redirect resources toward audits of quality control, health and safety issues, and complaint investigation.

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CFQAP Key Points

• Each participant submits at least the minimum number of samples required based on a statistically valid sampling plan.
• To obtain accurate results, take samples according to the CFIA's official sampling instructions.
• Samples are analysed by a laboratory accredited and monitored by the CFIA.
• The CFIA receives a copy of all results from official CFQAP samples directly from the accredited laboratory. The laboratory simultaneously sends a copy of the results to the company concerned.
• The CFIA receives results by November 30^th of each year.
• The CFIA verifies the accuracy of all results of official samples with the company submitting the samples.
• A plant rating is established for each blender/manufacturer that has submitted a sufficient number of samples*.
• In March of each year all plant ratings are published and made available. These ratings are based on samples taken in the previous year.
• All those not submitting samples or submitting an insufficient number of samples are clearly identified in the publication.

*Note: CFIA samples do not count toward the minimum number required.

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Lab Tips

• Use an accredited lab that will provide an acceptable turn-around time for sample analysis.
• Check all of your systems first then contact your lab immediately if you still question the result. Ask the following questions:
  Has a clerical error occurred?
  Was the result double checked?
  Can the analysis be redone?
  Remember - accredited labs must address all concerns.
• If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction then contact Terrence Field or by telephone at 613-759-1497.

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Sample Submission Do's and Don'ts

DO'S and DON'TS of Sample Submission

DO	Mark your company name and location clearly.
DO	Mark samples as "Official" or "Unofficial" to ensure that your accredited lab submits the result to the CFIA.
DO	Indicate the sampling date.
DO	Give a sample identification and invoice number.
DO	Show guarantee as grade and not pounds/acre.
DO	Use official sampling equipment and techniques.
DO	Show the guarantee to at least 1 decimal place.
DO	Send the whole sample to the lab.
DO	Submit a minimum number of samples in order to be rated in the Canadian Fertilizer Quality Assurance Report.
DON'T	Submit a material sample if you are only a blender.
DON'T	Split the sample.

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Fertilizer Program Officers

For more information, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Regional Fertilizer Program Officer in your area