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Nitrous Oxide Emission Reduction Protocol

The Nitrous Oxide Emission Reduction Protocol (NERP) is intended to reduce on-farm emissions of nitrous oxide in a quantifiable, credible and verifiable way that would allow farmers to earn carbon credits. Currently, it is being readied for introduction in the Canadian province of Alberta, the first jurisdiction in North America to actively regulate Greenhouse Gas(GHG) emissions and establish a regulatory carbon trading market.

NERP is a good example of public and private sectors working together to assist farmers to implement Best (Beneficial) Management Practices on-farm as well as reduce overall GHG emissions. Initiated by the Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI), NERP is the result of a collaborative partnership that includes the Alberta government, Climate Change Central, ClimateCHECK Corporation and the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI).

NERP is based on applying fertilizer using Best Management Practices. The 4R nutrient stewardship system is applying the Right Source @Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place®. By establishing three levels of application (basic, intermediate and advanced), NERP addresses the pillars of sustainable development: environmental, social and economic.

Reference points:

Nitrous Oxide( N20) -  A natural atmospheric gas that comes primarily from the oceans and soils, tropical in particular. Fertilizer use is estimated to induce 25-35 per cent of cropland emissions.

Offset credit -Also called a carbon credit, it's a reduction or removal of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from a project which features new management practices, technology and/or control systems. Credits can be purchased or traded.

NERP - Nitrous Oxide Emission Reduction Protocol, a proposed system to help reduce on-farm emissions of nitrous oxide. Developed in Canada, this could have global impact on both agricultural best management practices and the carbon offset market.

Climate Change Central - a non-profit organization that empowers Albertans to take action on climate change through consumer rebate programs, demonstration projects, educational outreach, and the development and facilitation of a provincial carbon market, the first in Canada. http://www.climatechangecentral.com

CFI - The Canadian Fertilizer Institute is an industry association that represents manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate and potash fertilizers. http://cfi.ca

IPNI - The International Plant Nutrition Institute is a global not-for-profit, science-based organization with a focus on agronomic education and research support. Its mission is to develop and promote scientific information about the responsible management of plant nutrition for the benefit of the human family. http://www.ipni.net/