Washington, D.C., January 29, 2018 – AgGateway and ResponsibleAg have collaborated on new look-up functionality that allows fertilizer manufacturers, distributors and retailers to quickly and automatically confirm that fertilizer locations they are doing business with are certified for safe fertilizer storage and handling. Certified locations are now included in AgGateway’s Ag Industry Identification System (AGIIS), a database that houses agricultural reference data for industry subscribers. AGIIS is used widely by crop nutrition companies to provide location and product identifiers that allow for the automated exchange of data between agri-businesses. To access the new functionality, companies must be AGIIS subscribers and ResponsibleAg participants.

“This is an exciting new function, because it will save companies time,” said Brent Kemp, AgGateway Executive Vice President and COO. “Fertilizer logistics are extremely time-sensitive – Any opportunity to reduce the time it takes to get the right product to the right place adds value to an operation’s efficiency and enhances its relationships with its customers.”

“We’re excited to launch this joint effort with AgGateway,” said ResponsibleAg Executive Director Bill Qualls. “This enhancement is just one more important step the industry is taking to demonstrate accountability and transparency, and to incorporate certification into regular, daily business.”

Kemp noted that integration files can be scheduled as frequently as daily within AGIIS, providing the most up-to-date information to stakeholders. AGIIS enhancements to support the ResponsibleAg certification functionality were funded by AgGateway, as well as AgGateway member companies CF Industries, IRM and JR Simplot.

To learn more about subscribing to AgGateway’s AGIIS, contact AgGateway Member Services at Member.Services@AgGateway.org. To learn more about ResponsibleAg and how to become a participant, go to www.ResponsibleAg.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 9, 2015) – ResponsibleAg, an independent nonprofit stewardship initiative that helps retail agribusinesses comply with federal fertilizer handling and storage rules, is seeking an executive director.  

The executive director will act as the senior manager for this groundbreaking initiative. Since its formation in 2014, Congressional leaders and regulators have lauded ResponsibleAg, and its auditor training curriculum has been recognized by the Board of Environmental, Health & Safety Auditor Certifications. The executive director will report to the nine‐member Board of Directors, comprised of five representatives of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and four representatives of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). 

ResponsibleAg was formed by the fertilizer industry to promote public welfare by assisting agribusinesses in complying with federal environmental, health, safety and security rules regarding the safe handling and storage of fertilizer products. The executive director will provide professional leadership for the organization and manage its day‐to‐day affairs, and will assist with the recruitment and retention of an estimated 9,000 agricultural retailers, and help enlist program support from fertilizer manufacturers and distributors.  

The full‐time position will require extensive travel throughout the United States. Letters of interest and resumes are due May 31. A subcommittee of the board will screen applicants and conduct in‐person interviews with the finalists. 

The executive director will be responsible for: 

• Managing the affairs of the Board of Directors and committees.
• Developing and managing the annual budget and policies.
• Promoting and managing, in cooperation with ARA, TFI and other stakeholders, the recruitment, registration and retention of program participants.
• Establishing and managing procedures for appeals and dispute resolutions, ensuring transparency and fairness for program participants.
• Coordinating the recruitment, training and certification of auditors to effectively implement the initiative.
• Establishing and monitoring an effective Quality Assurance program.
• Promoting and representing ResponsibleAg to media and other stakeholders.
• Managing relationships with federal and state agencies in accordance with Board policies and directives.

Qualified candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Five to 10 years of experience in developing and managing regulatory compliance assessment programs.
• Familiarity with federal and state environmental, safety and health (EHS) regulatory requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and adaptive management skills, and be a creative, motivated, organized and outgoing team player.
• Have a proven ability to build consensus among diverse constituents.

Compensation will be commensurate with the skills and experience of the candidate. Resumes and letters of interest detailing relevant experience should be submitted as a PDF to responsibleag@aradc.org. For additional information on ResponsibleAg and the complete job description, please visit: www.responsibleag.org.