4R Nutrient Stewardship Council Launches New Voucher Program for Retailers Outside Western Lake Erie Basin

As H2Ohio expands statewide, the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Council is excited to introduce a new voucher program specifically tailored for retailers operating on cropland acres outside the western Lake Erie basin watershed. This pilot initiative is designed to support facilities that have attained 4R Certification or are interested in becoming 4R Certified.

The NSC is offering two types of vouchers this year:

1. Nutrient Management Planning Voucher

   • Retailers will receive $0.75 per acre for delivering and obtaining approval for nutrient management plans under the H2Ohio program.
   • Click here for 4R Nutrient Management Voucher Program Flyer.

2. 4R Education Voucher

   • Retailers will be compensated $1,000 per retail location for conducting 4R education sessions with their customers. These sessions should occur during in-person field days or customer appreciation events, with agendas submitted in advance for approval.
   • Click here for 4R Education Voucher Program Flyer.

Retailers interested in applying for these vouchers should visit 4rcertified.org/voucher-programs/.

This opportunity is currently available exclusively to retailers working on acres outside the designated western Lake Erie basin watershed. The Council hopes that the success of this pilot program will allow for its expansion to include all retailers in future years.

For further information or to express interest in participating, retailers are encouraged to reach out directly to the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Council. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing nutrient management and education in agriculture, aligning with broader environmental stewardship goals.