J.R. Simplot certifies first five facilities for safety

Simplot Grower Solutions announces the first five facilities to be certified through ResponsibleAg for Safety organization and leadership within agricultural retail facilities.

The Hanford, Firebaugh, Five Points, Colusa, and Madera, CA, operations have been audited and certified as compliant with all federal environmental, health, safety, and security rules regarding safe handling and storage of fertilizer products.

“Simplot’s facilities take safety and security very seriously,” said Dave Dufault, J.R. Simplot vice president and general manager, retail AgriBusiness. “This responsibility is not just about our employees, but a commitment to the safety and security of the communities we call home. I am incredibly proud of these first three locations for gaining this recognition on a job well done.”

ResponsibleAg is a non-profit industry-led organization founded in the U.S. in 2014 to promote the safe storage and handling of fertilizers. Utilizing on-site assessments, ResponsibleAg educates fertilizer storage and handling facilities to achieve and maintain compliance with federal environmental, health, safety and security laws and regulation.

The first ResponsibleAg certification for Simplot is a significant accomplishment. With a total of over 90 retail facilities in total, Simplot has begun a methodical plan to complete all certifications. As a voluntary program, any fertilizer retailer, wholesaler and/or supplier may participate in ResponsibleAg by registering online. The fertilizer storage and handling facility then has up to three years to complete a federal regulatory compliance assessment by a credentialed ResponsibleAg auditor. Like the three Simplot facilities, upon successful completion of the assessment and any required corrective action the facility will be identified as being officially “certified” through ResponsibleAg.

“The fertilizer and agricultural industry is, and always has been, dedicated to operating safely within our communities,” said Bill Qualls, executive director of ResponsibleAg. “This certification is a tough and rigorous audit that assures each community just how committed we are to their safety and security.”