Join a line-up of expert speakers and innovators as they tackle the big questions facing the fertilizer markets in the Americas in the push for sustainability.
Fertilizer self-sufficiency and food security – Case studies of the US and Brazil as fertilizer as they both attempt to increase their food security and their fertilizer sustainability with different policy initiatives
Bankability – Understand how the sustainable fertilizer industry will be funded, and what types of public and private investment are on offer across the supply chain
AgTech insights – Learn about innovative new agricultural technology and remain on the cutting-edge of sustainability such as nutrient recovery and recycling, clean ammonia production, biostimulants, novel fertilizer products and more
New to the market? Need a refresher of market basics? Gain access to our online resources covering the basics of the fertilizer market before the conference so that you can make the most of your time during the event.
(Included in the Main Conference + Fertilizer Fast Track Pass)
Day One
StartEnd
11:30
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Registration
12:55
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13.00
Chairperson's opening remarks
Oliver Hatfield
- VP Sustainable Fertilizers, Argus
StartEnd
13:00
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13:40
How can food and beverage companies support the drive for agricultural sustainability?
Sponsored by PhycoTerra
- Speakers include McCain Foods and Mars
How are food and beverage companies working to support sustainable initiatives in fertilizer and agricultural businesses?
Research shows customers are willing to buy the sustainable option even if it costs more – but with inflation and the cost of living on the rise, are we seeing this in reality?
What are the main challenges in translating the need for sustainable practices by growers to the end customer?
Speakers include:
Jeremy Buchman, Senior Agronomy Manager, McCain Foods
Mariana Contreras, Global Regenerative Agriculture Lead, Mars
Modertor:
Dr Cassidy Million, VP of Ag Science, PhycoTerra
Macro-view of the sustainable fertilizer market
StartEnd
13:40
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14:10
Introduction to sustainable fertilizer technology
Dr Robert Mikkelsen
- Director of Agronomic Services, Yara
Understand the terminology and discussions around sustainable fertilizers in different regions.
Breakdown the meanings of buzzwords such as enhanced-efficiency, specialty, novel, low-carbon fertilizers and more.
Learn about the fundamental ‘4R’ concept and how this can aid in the sustainable and efficient use of fertilizers.
14:10
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14:40
Developing microbiome-based additives: From the lab bench to successful upscale manufacturing and field application
Dr Walter Sandoval
- Chief Science Officer, MicroBios S.A.
Hear from MicroBios as a case study of a company focused on biological solutions to sustainable fertilizer management practices.
How can microbiome-based additives help maximize the effectiveness of NPK fertilizers, maintaining crop yields while helping reinstate healthy and sustainable soils. How beneficial is this to creating a sustainable fertilizer market?
What research has been undertaken into the economic and environmental benefits of maximizing the effectiveness of mineral fertilizers?
Speaker:
Dr Walter Sandoval, Chief Science Officer, MicroBios S.A.
Coffee break
StartEnd
14:40
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15:25
Afternoon coffee break and networking
Fertilizer self-sufficiency and food security: US and Brazil case studies
StartEnd
15:25
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16:10
The Brazil answer: Reduce dependency on imports
Matt Simpson
- CEO, Brazil Potash
Brazil is currently the 8th largest importer of fertilizers with low domestic production capacity. In March 2022, Brazil’s government announced its National Fertilizer Plan to reduce its dependency on imports from 85% of its demand to 45% by 2050. They estimate in the year 22/23 alone they will be able to reduce reliance by 20-30%.
What are the viable alternatives to large scale imports on N, P, and K?
How successful have the initiatives been so far – is Brazil on course for a 20-30% reduction this year?
What makes Brazil so suitable to the use of specialty fertilizers?
Speakers include:
Matt Simpson, CEO, Brazil Potash
16:10
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15:55
The US answer: Use policy and public investment to encourage domestic supply expansion
Corey Rosenbusch
- CEO & President, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI)
The US is taking a slightly different approach to ensuring their self-sufficiency. Boasting a robust domestic production capacity, the US is relying on boosting production of American-made fertilizers that are sustainable and innovative amongst other qualities.
How is the US scaling up domestic production and where are there alternative import sources?
Can the US emulate the success of Brazilian specialty fertilizer adoption? What factors need to be considered – crops, supply, pricing, land availability and more.
How successful has US policy – such as the $500m investment in American-made fertilizer announced by the USDA in 2022 – been at creating interest in sustainable fertilizer?
16:55
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17:00
Chairperson's closing remarks
Drinks reception
StartEnd
17:00
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19:00
Welcome drinks reception
Day Two
StartEnd
08:00
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09:00
Registration and breakfast
08:55
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09:00
Chairperson's opening remarks
Oliver Hatfield
- VP Sustainable Fertilizers, Argus
Government as a driver of innovation
StartEnd
09:00
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09:30
How can government-backed studies promote the sustainable fertilizer industry?
Dr Christopher Clark
- Senior Research Scientist, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
There can be confusion over some sustainability claims and the performance of sustainable fertilizers – how can government-funded research help to dispel these and promote the industry?
What research is currently being undertaken by regulatory and government bodies such as the USDA and EPA into sustainable fertilizers?
How can government research and investment help drive the shift toward sustainable fertilizers and improve the relationship between agricultural research and fertilizer production?
09:30
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10:15
Fireside chat: Winners of public funding
Speakers include:
- Aqua-Yield, Verdesian Life Sciences, Fertinagro Biotech International
Learn about how effective public funding can be in scaling up a sustainable fertilizer business.
What are the results from the initial lab testing of these sustainable fertilizers?
What is the next stage of planning for land tests and how could this affect the US fertilizer market?
Dr Kuide Qin, Chief Science Officer, Verdesian Life Sciences
Dr Catherine Roue, Innovation & Sustainability Director North America, Fertinagro Biotech International
Coffee break
StartEnd
10:15
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11:00
Morning coffee break
Conference resumes
StartEnd
11:00
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11:45
Producer focus: Renewable energy mixes, novel products and the future of fertilizer production
Speakers include
- Phospholutions Inc, Nitricity, Hebei Monband
Decarbonising nitrogen fertilizer is a big challenge for the industry – largely owing to the CO2 needed to produce urea that is then released on application.
What solutions are available to the fertilizer market? Learn about using nitrogen inhibitors, switching to nitrates, potential for ammonia and more.
What is the scalability and feasibility of these options? Is it possible, and affordable, to decarbonise nitrogen fertilizers?
Speakers:
Hunter Swisher, CEO & Founder, Phospholutions Inc
Cleiton de Sequeira, Director of Business Development, Nitricity
Will Li, General Manager, Hebei Monband
11:45
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12:15
Argus insights
Oliver Hatfield
- VP Sustainable Fertilizers, Argus
TBA
Lunch
StartEnd
12:15
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13:45
Lunch
Nutrient recovery and soil health
StartEnd
13:45
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14:15
An introduction to nutrient recycling and its role in a sustainable circular economy
Karleigh Lewis
- Account Manager, Certified Crop Advisor, Livestock Water Recycling
Nutrient recycling involves recovering lost nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from waste and converting them into fertilizers again.
How does nutrient recovery help increase plant yields whilst helping to combat run-off and non-point source pollution?
How can nutrient recycling programmes contribute to a circular economy?
Speaker:
Karleigh Lewis, Account Manager, Certified Crop Advisor, Livestock Water Recycling
14:15
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14:45
The importance of regenerative practices to improve soil health
Dr Marcel Barbier
- International Chief Technical Lead, Monty's Plant Food
Learn why maintaining soil health is important for crop nutrition, boosting yields, and its benefits for the climate.
Why are regenerative agricultural practices so integral to creating a sustainable fertilizer market?
Conference concludes
StartEnd
16:45
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16:50
Chairperson's closing remarks
16:50
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Conference concludes
Fertilizer Fast Track Resources (*for Fertilizer Fast Track pass holders)
StartEnd
Online Materials
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The role of fertilizers in agriculture
Mike Nash
- Senior Editor, Fertilizers, Argus
Liebig’s law of minimum and the key fertilizer macronutrients
The need for fertilizers to meet global food demand: balanced fertilization and 4R concepts
Added value fertilizers
Jack Merriott
- Senior Manager - Consulting, Argus
Defining product categories for AVF
Evaluating markets and drivers for AVF
Industry opportunities for AVF
Plan your schedule at the Argus Sustainable Fertilizer Americas Conference
Download the brochure for more information on the 2-day agenda to find out more about the presentation sessions and latest speakers. Discover who's sponsoring and exhibiting and the many opportunities to network and schedule meetings with sustainable fertilizer industry peers