Zinc group joins IPNI

Norcross, Ga.-The International Zinc Association (IZA) has joined the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) as an associate member. Founded in 1990, IZA is a non-profit organization based in Brussels, Belgium, representing the global zinc industry through promotion of zinc’s essentiality in present and potential product applications, human health, and crop nutrition, and by highlighting zinc’s contribution to sustainable development. Membership in IPNI is composed primarily of companies that are basic producers of one or more of the major plant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphate, potash, and sulfur) for agricultural purposes. The organization seeks to provide a coordinated scientific foundation for fertilizer nutrient use and to scientifically address associated environmental issues. “Zinc is essential for the health of humans and crops. However, zinc deficiency affects nearly one-third of the world’s population and leads to deaths of over 800,000 people annually, including 450,000 children,” said Stephen R. Wilkinson, Executive Director of IZA. “Increasing the use of zinc in fertilizers will help address this global problem by improving the nutritional status of crops while at the same time improving crop health and productivity.” Current members of IPNI include Agrium Inc., Arab Fertilizer Association, Arab Potash Company, Belarusian Potash Company, Bunge Fertilizantes S.A., Canadian Fertilizer Institute, CF Industries Holdings Inc., OCP S.A., Incitec Pivot, International Fertilizer Industry Association, International Potash Institute, Intrepid Potash Inc., K+S KALI GmbH, The Mosaic Company, PotashCorp, Simplot, Sinofert Holdings Limited, SQM, Terra Industries Inc., The Fertilizer Institute, and Uralkali.