We would not be in business if it were not for our customers. We engage with customers in a variety of ways to add value beyond our products and services. At the most basic level, we strive to provide customers with the products and services that help them grow. We believe, through a combination of product and know-how we can increase their productivity and profits, and at the same time make a profit ourselves. As part of creating better controls through our product lifecycle, we employ more than 475 Certified Crop Advisors that work with growers to ensure that practices are appropriate to each farm’s soil, climatic and operational situation. In some cases, we supply custom application services.

We know that customers want us to be able to meet their demand when supplies are short and address the cost of plant nutrients. There are several ways we are addressing these needs including helping farmers plant seeds, and apply crop protection products and nutrients properly. Our services can reduce the number of required applications and losses to the environment.

Our performance can affect our shareholder’s well being; we can multiply their investments and help owners achieve ethical objectives by supporting a sustainable company. We meet owners each year at our Annual General meeting and our own investors’ conference. More than 77 percent of them are institutional shareholders. We also receive input from shareholders throughout the year through our Investor Relations department.

To stay strong financially and increase shareholders return on investment over time, we strive to focus on the basics. This includes maintaining our lowest cost position, a strong balance sheet and to strategically grow through the value chain. In the past two years, Agrium has experienced exponential growth in its Retail business. We’ve also expanded our global product reach with an investment in China.

Agrium has a significant impact on its employees by supporting their career development and financial goals. Our programs and policies directly impact workplace safety and create a work environment free from harassment and violence. Management is trained to communicate with employees effectively and we spend considerable time in dialogue with them.

We encourage employees to set goals and conduct regular performance reviews to discuss opportunities for development and growth. We listen to employee feedback through the Voice of the Employee survey conducted on a biennial basis. We discuss company initiatives in various ways including Coffee with the Executives and our internal newsletter called Food for Thought.

We live and work in the communities where we have operations. In some communities Agrium has a significant presence – employing a measurable percentage of the population, creating business opportunities for local suppliers, and contributing to local economies.

We engage our community stakeholders in a variety of ways and this may differ from location to location. We hold open houses and in some cases we use community advisory groups. We regularly conduct door-to-door visits with neighbors of our production facilities. Agrium also encourages employees to get involved in community initiatives through our Employee Community Participation Program.

Agrium liaises with government representatives and agencies at all levels in the countries where we have operations. We communicate with government both directly and indirectly through the unified voice of industry associations. Our dialogue with government spans a variety of topics including joint venture projects, health and safety in communities, setting policies and environmental targets, regulation and helping to implement best management practices.