The building of effective partnership or collaboration between a fertilizer supplier and its customers, suppliers, hauliers, distributors, and others involved in the supply chain is a key aspect of Product Stewardship. The ultimate objective is to extend the recognition of the positive contribution of Product Stewardship to all those involved in the product's life cycle.This also applies to the contacts with the authorities and regulators, and with the scientific community, to ensure that the information being used for the development of regulations and information to the general public are based on science and correct risk assessment.

There are some legal Requirements related to partnership in Product Stewardship, the most important being the Seveso Directive which requests that emergency plans for Seveso sites are discussed in partnership with the emergency services. In addition UN recommendations for transport gives several elements related to loading, unloading, handling and transport which can best achieved in good partnership with hauliers. Further information is given in the relevant subchapters.

EFMA recommends its members to collaborate widely and actively with all external parties involved in supplying, handling and using fertilizers and with authorities and the scientific community.

EFMA members should build up partnership with emergency services. In some case this is mandatory for example to discuss emergency plans for Seveso sites, in other cases a proactive approach is wanted (e.g. port authorities).

Work with suppliers so that raw materials, products and services meet generally accepted SHE standards and, where appropriate, include these considerations in purchasing policies (see chapter 3.1.1.2).

Select and work with contractors to continually improve SHE standards (see chapter 3.1.3.8.)

Work with customers, resellers and other downstream users to foster safe storage, use, handling, and correct treatment of non-conforming materials. Provide training on specific products where needed. Examples of EFMA's product stewardship programme are the Handbook of Safe Storage and Handling of AN Based Fertilizers (1992) (see chapter 3.1.4.3.), EFMA's Guidance for safe handling and utilisation of non-conforming fertilizers and related materials for fertilizer producers (see chapter 3.1.4.3.), EFMA's codes of pratice (see chapter 3.1.8.5).

Actively seek feedback on customer storage, handling and use of products. Learn from their experience and revise product design, information and advice as appropriate. Review the information gathered and develop improvement action plans.(see chapter 3.1.5.4.).

Having a good relation with haulier companies ensures compliance with legal requirements (UN recommendations, ADR, RID etc.). For further information see chapter 3.1.6. On top of this EFMA has developed guidelines to work haulier companies for adoption of Best Practices. Examples of EFMA's product stewardship program are the guidelines for transport of nitric acid by road and ammonia by rail (see chapter 3.1.6.10).

Make use of industry links to exchange and generate information on product risks and their effective management. EFMA members directly and through EFMA, have many links with other industries not only in Europe (EFMA's Technical Environment and Safety Committee and Agricultural and Environment Committee, CEFIC, National Fertilizer Associations, such as UNIFA, AIC etc., EIGA etc.) but also world-wide:

• International fertilizer Association (IFA)
• The Fertilizer Institute (TFI)
• International Fertilizer Society (IFS)
• International Fertilizer Develoment Center(IFDC)
• International Plant Nutrition Institute e (IPNI)
• The Sulphur Institute (TSI)
• Ammonium Nitrate Nitric Acid Producers Group (ANNA)
• Ammonia Safety Symposium of AIChE

Be proactive and participate in discussions with international agencies, national competent authorities and local regulatory bodies on Product Stewardship seeking to promote a balanced judgment between the SHE, scientific, economic and practical arguments. EFMA regularly discusses with the European Commission, members of the Council and members of the Parliament proposals for new EU legislation. EFMA seeks a well balanced legislation where community takes proper account of SHE aspects as well as the social and economic impacts (see EFMA's statutes (English and French ) statutes).

A balanced judment between SHE, scientific,economic and practical arguments is what companies should try to achieve. In this efford the scientific base of the arguments is essential and good contacts with the scientific community should be established. Examples are (amongst many others):

Contacts with Universities:

Martin Luther University Halle Wittenburg: EFMA's project "Energy Recovery by Crops in Dependence of the Input of Mineral Fertilizers".

Contacts with Research Institutes:

- Rothamsted Research UK: EFMA's booklets "Understanding Phosphorus and its Use in Agriculture" and "Understanding Potassium and its Use in Agriculture".

- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Research (TNO): Project on Safety aspects of ammonium nitrate solutions at high temperatures.

- NOTOX Safety & Environmental Research: Validation and Risk Assessment High Production Volume Chemicals. see chapter 3.1.5.3.

- Ghent University, Department of Soil management and Soil care, Ghent, Belgium.

- Levington Agriculture Ltd, Levington Park, the UK.

- V.T.T., the Technical Research Center of Finnland.

- ECOPT, Dewells Farm House, Bredfield, Suffolk, the UK. EFMA's study : "Non-fertilizer nutrient sources in Europe".

- Water Research Center, Swindon, the UK.

- Nutrient Management Institute, Wageningen, the Nederland.