BRANDT® Gridley Achieves ResponsibleAg Certification
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (February 24, 2016) – BRANDT Gridley has achieved certification by ResponsibleAg Inc., joining the ranks of only 140 nationwide retail locations who have successfully completed the ResponsibleAg audit and certification process.
“ResponsibleAg certification is a significant achievement,” said Bill Roth, BRANDT Gridley plant manager. “For us, it recognizes all the hard work that our guys put in to make sure that we’re safe and in compliance with the regulations.”
ResponsibleAg is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 to promote agribusinesses as they seek to comply with federal environmental, health, safety and security rules for the safe handling and storage of fertilizer products. ResponsibleAg certification validates that the facility is in compliance with all applicable federal regulations.
The Gridley retail plant was the first within BRANDT to go through the ResponsibleAg certification process. BRANDT used an outside contractor to complete the 46-page checklist of items to be audited and validated. A certified ReposnsibleAg auditor completed the third party assessment.
"Safety has always been a key priority across all the BRANDT plants,” explained Roth. “This additional accreditation shows the world our commitment to safety. We’re all very proud of our ResponsibleAg certification.”
To achieve the certification, certain items were improved at Gridley. These upgrades included installation of a shutdown switch for the anhydrous ammonia storage. The shutdown switch allows employees to instantly close the supply of anhydrous in case of a leak.
Some other updates include:
• Concrete protection posts around fuel storage facilities
• Updating wiring inside and out up to the newest NFPA70 electric code
• Updating signage
• Installing and wiring double-walled bulk fuel tanks to meet EPA Still Prevention and Containment and Control Regulations
BRANDT management has supported the ResponsibleAg audit and certification effort since it was announced.
“Participation in ResponsibleAg is strictly voluntary,” said Tim McArdle, general manager of BRANDT’s retail division. “But it is incumbent on all to ensure we are a safe, responsible and proactive industry. Our hope is to engage our customers and trade partners to achieve a level of compliance that will firmly establish a level of confidence in our communities and with our growers. We have an industry to be proud of and we need to work together to keep it that way.”
About ResponsibleAg
ResponsibleAg is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 to promote the safe storage and handling of fertilizers. Utilizing on-site assessments, ResponsibleAg will educate fertilizer storage and handling facilities to achieve and maintain compliance with federal environmental, health, safety and security laws and regulations. The goal of ResponsibleAg is to improve safety and security associated with storage and handling of fertilizer products, support compliance with federal regulations, demonstrate accountability and transparency and provide for the safety of employees, customers and communities-while continuing to serve the vital needs of the agricultural community for crop nutrients.
For more information, go to www.responsibleag.org.
About BRANDT
A leading agricultural company, BRANDT serves growers around the globe. Founded in 1953 by Glen Brandt and his sister Evelyn Brandt Thomas to help Illinois farmers adopt new and profitable technologies, the company has experienced aggressive growth under the leadership of President and CEO Rick Brandt. BRANDT’s focus is providing the products and services that give growers the best opportunity for return while building a stronger, healthier and more abundant food supply.
