Canadian Fertilizer Quality Assurance Program (CFQAP)

Introduction

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.

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.

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.

Sample Submission Do's and Don'ts

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.

 

Minimum Sampling Level for Blended Products

Annual Production (Tonnes)	Samples/Year
Small (0 to 600 T/yr)	3
Medium (601 - 4800 T/yr)	5
Large (over 4800 T/yr)	8

 

Minimum Sampling Level for Basic Materials

Annual Production (Tonnes)	Samples/Year
Small (0 to 50,000 T/yr)	3
Medium (50,001 -120,000 T/yr)	5
Large (over 120,000 T/yr)	8

Area Program Specialists

For more information, contact the Program Specialist in your area.

Vadim Gouida
CFIA
Neufeld Building
9021 46th Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6B 3B2

Telephone: 780-495-4473
Facsimile: 780-495-7022

Darrell Mueller
CFIA
174 Stone Road West
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 4S9

Telephone: 519-826-2817
Facsimile: 519-837-9772

Lyette Duvernay
CFIA
3100 boul. Laframboise
suite 206
St-Hyacinthe, Quebec
J2S 4Z4

Telephone: 450-773-6639
Facsimile: 450-774-8522

Ryan Ring
CFIA
P.O. Box 6088
1081 Main Street - 5^th Floor
Moncton, New Brunswick
E1C 8R2

Telephone: 506-851-7912
Facsimile: 506-851-2689