From the Fertiliser Quality Council.
Jan Burns
for D'Ath Emerson & Associates
May 29 2012
Media Release
Fertiliser Quality Council Pleased With Podcast Response
The Fertiliser Quality Council (FQC) is really pleased with the response to the webcast launching the program New Zealand Needs Fertiliser and Plants Need Food. It is a short, sharp educational program aimed at correcting the myths over fertiliser use.
FQC chair Neil Barton said that the immediate response of 361 full views, plus a few on Facebook, was great news for the
fertiliser industry. In addition the vast majority watched the program right through.
“For too long we have had the self-styled environmental disciples perpetuating myths about fertiliser and its use,” Neil
Barton said. “We now have a science-based program refuting that. The fact that almost 400 New Zealanders decided to
watch the launch of the program, including a motivational address by Prof Rowarth from the University of Waikato
Business School, is most heartening.
“Using a webcast also allows us to communicate better with the younger, more technically inclined farmers and council
planners who may be unaware of the substantial impact of fertiliser on farming and the economy. The effect that
superphosphate has had on pastoral farming post World War 11 is huge. It has enabled soil that can barely support brown
top to produce high quality ryegrass, clover pastures.
“New Zealand soils are not naturally fertile and without fertiliser our economy, as we know it, is doomed. Responsible
fertiliser use and application has a huge economic benefit and a small environmental footprint.
“The fact that we chose a webcast to launch the initiative also shows our willingness to get a key message across while
creating a minimal environmental footprint,” Neil Barton said.
ENDS