Understanding the Conditions of a NMS Approval

Condition #7: Review of the Nutrient Management Strategy with the Authorized Agent

When a Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS) is approved, a number of conditions are placed on that approval. The person identified as the farm unit owner is required to meet the conditions listed in their Letter of Approval.

Condition #7, listed in every letter of approval states:

"The Owner will review the approved nutrient management strategy and conditions attached to the approval with the authorized agent (as per the Nutrient Management Strategy and/or Plan Sign-Off Form), if different from the Owner, within 30 days of receiving the approval. And, within 40 days of the nutrient management strategy being approved, the Owner will notify the Ministry in writing that the review has taken place".

The purpose of condition #7 is to ensure that the owner of the farm understands what is contained in their approved nutrient management strategy. If a consultant prepares a strategy, it is expected that they will explain the approved strategy, including the contents of the approval documents to the farmer. The nutrient management strategy (NMS) is a legal document and a farmer is required to follow it. Some examples of what a farmer needs to be aware of in their approved strategy are:

• how runoff is managed on their farm
• if extra bedding is used in their nutrient management strategy
• their record keeping requirements under the Nutrient Management Act
• how to keep their nutrient management strategy up to date
• when their nutrient management strategy will expire.

As stated in condition #7, the "owner" is responsible to notify OMAFRA in writing that a review of their NMS has occurred. If this notification is not completed and submitted within the specified times, the condition will remain on the approval. Problems may arise the next time the farm needs an approval from the ministry or when the Ministry of the Environment inspects the farm.