Agrium's Greg Yont elected Chairman of Canadian Fertilizer Institute Board

BANFF, AB, Aug. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI) is pleased to announce the election of Greg Yont, Vice President, Wholesale Global Logistics at Agrium Inc., as Chairman of the Board of Directors at the association's Annual General Meeting today.

"Canada's fertilizer industry is recognized worldwide for its leadership in product stewardship and sustainability," said Yont. "I look forward to doing my part to help CFI explain to stakeholders the essential role of crop nutrients in modern agriculture and the benefits of using fertilizer responsibly."

Over the next two years, Yont identified four key priorities to enhance the industry's licence to operate:

• Increase adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship on Canadian farms

• Implement an auditing program for the Agricultural Ammonium Nitrate Code of Practice

• Work in partnership with governments, industry stakeholders and transportation companies to ensure the safety of our communities

• Establish achievable standards for environmental performance for reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Yont succeeds Norm Beug, retired Senior Vice President, Potash at The Mosaic Company, as Chairman of the Board. Beug joined the board in 1998 and over the last 15 years has served as chairman twice, first with a predecessor company IMC. As Chairman, Beug was instrumental in moving the industry forward in the promotion and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship, the safety and security of fertilizer products including CFI's Codes of Practice, as well as raising awareness of the essential role fertilizers play in feeding the hungry planet.

"Greg has the experience and dedication needed to represent the industry as Chairman of the CFI Board," said Beug. "I have enjoyed working alongside him and the rest of the Board during my time as Chairman and feel confident that CFI will continue to thrive and achieve new levels of success."

Yont has worked with Agrium and its predecessor companies since 1988, progressing through senior positions in Manufacturing, Business Development, Marketing and Logistics. He most recently served as CFI's Vice-Chairman.

Beug is retiring in August 2013 after a long and successful career in the fertilizer industry. In 2002, Beug was named as one of the ten most influential businessmen in Saskatchewan for his work as a Business Ambassador. In 2005, he was honoured with a Centennial Medal from the Government of Saskatchewan.

The CFI Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from North America's manufacturer, distributor and retail member companies. The 2013-2014 Board members include:

Chair: Greg Yont, Agrium Inc.
Vice Chair: Steve Biggar, Richardson International
President: Roger Larson, Canadian Fertilizer Institute

Mark Auchampach, J.R. Simplot Company
Troy Bolt, Viterra
Noel Hsu, Orica Mining Services
Russ Holowachuk, CF Industries
Kathy Jordison, Yara Canada Inc.
Lindsay Kaspick, Koch Fertilizer Canada ULC
Don Kitson, International Raw Materials Ltd.
Hugh M. Loomans, Sylvite Sales Inc.
Jim MacEwen, MacEwen Agricentre Inc.
Brian Mark, PotashCorp
Andre Mercure, La Coop Fédérée
Walter Precourt, The Mosaic Company

The Canadian Fertilizer Institute is an industry association representing manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilizers. Our mission is to be the unified voice of the Canadian fertilizer industry by promoting the responsible, sustainable and safe production, distribution and use of fertilizers. Our industry employs 12,000 Canadians and contributes $12 billion annually to Canada's economy. Our products contribute to the supply of safe, nutritious food in Canada and around the world.

SOURCE: Canadian Fertilizer Institute