Yara's fertilizer has a much lower environmental impact than other conventional fertilizers, because it is manufactured with proprietary technology that reduces nitrous oxide emissions by up to 90 percent. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, nitrous oxide has approximately 300 times the greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide. Outlook Resources' "ERTHlizer" product achieves a lower-carbon footprint by using locally-sourced, carbon-neutral raw materials such as food waste and agriculture waste rather than natural gas, avoiding unnecessary carbon emissions from both natural gas and fertilizer transportation.



Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles Bronson said, "PepsiCo's commitment to sustainable agriculture is to be commended. Anything that can be done to maximize agriculture's potential, minimize costs, and reduce environmental impacts should be explored. In particular, the use of renewable resources – such as agricultural wastes and residues – and alternative compounds such as calcium nitrate, to produce products such as the reduced-carbon fertilizers being tested by Tropicana should be a high priority."



The new study will last up to five years to match the maturity cycle of orange trees. One outcome of the pilot could be blending the best components of each low-carbon fertilizer to create a superior hybrid solution with an even lower carbon footprint. PepsiCo will monitor early indicators of success with researchers from the University of Florida so it can expand the effort's successes to other growers and reduce the carbon in their systems too.



Mac Carraway, President of SMR Farms, said, "As Tropicana's partner for nearly twenty years, we are proud to work with the company on a project that could have such a tremendous impact on not only our environmental footprint, but also that of other growers and farmers. Together, with fertilizer suppliers like Yara and Outlook Resources, we can address nutrient-related carbon emissions in a way that we couldn't do on our own."



Sandro Pippobello, Director of Premium Offerings for Yara North America, said, "We've been using our new environmental technology to produce lower-carbon fertilizers with great success. In addition to our fertilizer production technology, we're excited to bring our expertise in plant nutrition to a project that has the potential to both improve agricultural practices associated with orange production and make a positive contribution to growers' profitability. With PepsiCo's support, we have an opportunity to make significant breakthroughs in several critical areas – the environment, crop quality and profitability."



Errol Farr, President and CEO of Outlook Resources said, "PepsiCo's backing of this pilot study is a testament to the company's commitment to improving environmental performance across its supply chain. We are excited for the opportunity to test it on orange crops in partnership with PepsiCo and Tropicana. The time is right to provide a fertilizer solution that is more environmentally responsible, holds the line on costs for farmers – and produces great oranges."



The pilot program is part of PepsiCo's broader commitment to sustainable agriculture. The company was one of the first in its peer group to establish a formal

About SMR Farms


SMR Farms, LLC and its parent company, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc., have more than 75 years of experience as leaders in Florida agribusiness. With over 31,000 acres as a starting point, SMR Farms produces citrus for both the juice and fresh-fruit markets, sod and improved turfgrasses, containerized and field-grown trees, and premium Brangus and Charolais/Brangus terminal cross cattle. Over the years, SMR Farms has earned a reputation for quality and integrity.


SMR Farms has been a consistent leader in environmental stewardship and natural resource management. Whether it is preservation of sensitive habitat, extensive use of alternative water sources or implementation of Best Management Practices, SMR Farms has been a leader in making natural resource management a part of every farming decision.


About Yara International ASA


Yara International ASA is a global firm specializing in agricultural products and environmental protection agents. As the world's largest supplier of mineral fertilizers, Yara helps provide food and renewable energy for a growing world population. Our products also help cleanse the air and eliminate toxic waste. The Oslo-based company has more than 8,000 employees and annual revenues of nearly 16 billion dollars with operations in more than 50 countries.


About Outlook Resources


Outlook Resources Inc. is a producer of low-carbon fertilizers from renewable sources. Outlook's products achieve a lower-carbon footprint by blending locally-sourced renewable raw materials with biologicals and enzymes in a proprietary process. Outlook is headquartered in Toronto, with a key sales and development office in Longmont, CO. For more information, please visit

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