About the NZFQC
Set up by farmers for farmers, the FQC was formed in 1992 initially to provide an assurance programme for the use of quality fertiliser products. Later, its role was extended to include accurate, ‘on-target’ fertiliser distribution.
Incorporated in 2001, the FQC comprises over 30 executives from across the agricultural spectrum. The Council meets twice a year to review activity, approve budgets and expenditure and discuss pertinent topics affecting the fertiliser and fertiliser spreading industries – aerial and ground.
The Council is responsible for both the Fertmark and Spreadmark initiatives.
Fertmark was devised in 1992 as a fertiliser quality assurance scheme after the government withdrew from fertiliser auditing. The scheme involves an independent audit whereby only quality products are approved and awarded with the Fertmark tick. There are currently 14 companies in the programme with over 69 registered products.
Spreadmark is a fertiliser quality assurance scheme founded by the New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers Association (NZGFA) in 1998. The logo can be seen on the trucks of over 75 companies in New Zealand
Using the Marks
The ‘marks’ may only be used by Fertmark or Spreadmark approved companies.
Only companies whose fertiliser and nutrient products have been independently audited, and approved, may display the Fertmark tick on their packaging.
Only spreading companies who have been independently audited, have had their spreading trucks and planes tested, their management systems checked and their drivers and pilots trained may display the Spreadmark motif.
