Canadian-Owned Innovation: Transforming Fertilizer Production for Western Canadian Agriculture - How Genesis Fertilizers is Addressing Critical Challenges

Geotechnical bore testing, Belle Plaine facility.

Western Canada’s farming sector is at a pivotal crossroads. Volatile fertilizer prices, import dependency, and growing demands for sustainable practices challenge farmers aiming for profitability and environmental stewardship. Adding to these challenges is the uncertainty surrounding tariffs in the U.S., which affects cross-border supply chains. Genesis Fertilizers—a fully Canadian-owned, farmer-led initiative—proposes a transformative solution: Canada’s first low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer facility. This multi-billion-dollar project aims to stabilize supply chains, lower production costs, and significantly reduce the environmental impact of fertilizer production, ensuring farmers have secure, domestic access to essential products.


A Strategic Location: Belle Plaine, Saskatchewan

Belle Plaine, Saskatchewan, offers a unique combination of resources and infrastructure, positioning it as the ideal location for Genesis Fertilizers’ proposed facility. Key advantages include:

• Secured Land: Genesis Fertilizers has secured land in Belle Plaine, offering access to essential infrastructure and resources.

• Energy Supply: Affordable natural gas from SaskEnergy, powering ammonia production.

• Water Access: Reliable resources provided by SaskWater, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

• Power Infrastructure: Electricity supplied by SaskPower, supporting energy-efficient technologies.

• Transportation Networks: Access to CN and CPKC rail lines and the TransCanada Highway ensures seamless distribution across Canadian and U.S. markets.

Being fully Canadian-owned ensures that Genesis Fertilizers can prioritize domestic supply chains, providing farmers with reliable, tariff-insulated fertilizer access regardless of international trade fluctuations.


Key Features of the Facility

The proposed facility will produce over one million metric tonnes of ammonia, urea, urea ammonium sulfate (UAS), and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) annually. The facility will produce ammonia, which will be converted into liquid urea for further processing into high-quality granular urea 46-0-0, DEF, and granular UAS (40-0-0-5.5 formulation). Unlike some traditional blends, these homogenous granules are designed for compatibility with air seeders. A standout feature is the advanced carbon capture technology, designed to sequester up to 800,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ each year, contributing significantly to Canada’s national climate goals.


Empowering Farmers Through Ownership and Supply Chain Security

Genesis Fertilizers offers farmers more than a stable fertilizer source—it gives them a stake in the future of Canadian agriculture. By localizing supply and securing domestic production, the facility reduces freight and import costs, stabilizing prices and enhancing profitability. As a fully Canadian-owned, farmer-owned initiative, profits flow directly back to the farmer-owners themselves, while insulating the supply chain from U.S. tariff uncertainties.

“This facility gives farmers like me a stake in ownership for a more predictable and secure future. We’re not just buying fertilizer anymore; we’re part of a sustainable movement,” shares Marcel Ens a Carrot River, SK grain producer. “Having a stake in a fertilizer facility means we’re not just consumers. We’re investors in our future, and that changes everything.” Adds Ron Carson, producer from Lampman, SK
From Vision to Reality: Genesis Fertilizers’ Roadmap

Bringing a project of this magnitude to life requires meticulous planning and collaboration. Genesis Fertilizers’ updated roadmap includes:

• Provincial Support: The Saskatchewan government has endorsed the project, recognizing its potential for regional growth with associated financial incentives.

• Expert Engineering Team: A highly experienced in-house engineering team specializing in ammonia and urea plant operations and design has been recruited.

• Key Leadership Hires: Appointment of a CFO and independent directors with deep industry expertise.

• Financial Advisors & Strategic Partnerships: PwC has been engaged to manage capital raise efforts. Ongoing discussions continue with FCC, EDC, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank to strengthen the financial strategy.

• Completed Feasibility Study: Confirmed Belle Plaine as the optimal location based on resource availability, market demand, and logistics.

• Design & Pre-FEED Completion: In collaboration with thyssenkrupp Uhde, the basis of design and technology selection is complete. The Pre-FEED stage is finalized.

• Advancing to the FEED Phase: In November, Genesis Fertilizers officially entered the FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) phase by signing a contract with DL Engineering & Construction, a key milestone for defining project scope and cost.

• Strategic Technology Partnerships: Agreements secured with:
  • thyssenkrupp Uhde: Advanced ammonia synthesis technology.
  • thyssenkrupp Fertilizer Technology: Specializing in high-quality fluid bed urea granulation.
  • Stamicarbon: Leading urea synthesis provider.
  • CARBONCO: Carbon capture systems capable of sequestering 800,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ annually.

• Regulatory Approvals and Permitting: Progressing with support from government partners.

• Site Preparation and Infrastructure Development: Geotechnical and topographic surveys completed. Plans for excavation, pipeline installations, and foundational construction are underway.

• Supercenters Development: Seven strategically located farmer-focused Supercenters are planned across Western Canada for efficient blending, storage, and distribution.

• Construction and Commissioning: PCL Construction, alongside DL E&C, will oversee construction, targeting operations commencement by 2029.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability drives every aspect of Genesis Fertilizers’ mission:

• Low-Carbon Fertilizer Production: Integrated carbon capture systems will produce low-carbon-intensity fertilizer, meeting the growing demand from food companies willing to pay premiums for sustainably grown grains.

• Carbon Sequestration: Up to 800,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ captured annually, supporting Canada’s climate commitments.

• Farmer Empowerment: Low-carbon fertilizers enable farmers to meet regulatory standards while maintaining high yield potential.

Economic Impact and Community Growth

The facility will create more than 1,500 construction jobs and 180 permanent operational roles, significantly energizing local economies. By stabilizing fertilizer supply and reducing exposure to international tariff risks, it enhances farmers’ economic resilience. Supporting local suppliers, transportation providers, and contractors, Genesis Fertilizers fosters long-term regional economic growth.

“This project isn’t just about fertilizer—it’s about Canadian ownership and investing in the stability and future of agriculture here in Saskatchewan and across Western Canada with a locally owned and controlled supply,” says Kelly Ashworth, a grain producer from Oungre, SK.


A Farmer-Owned, Fully Canadian Model for Stability

Genesis Fertilizers adopts a vertically integrated, fully Canadian-owned structure that strengthens economic positions by:

• Profit Reinvestment: Profits return directly to farmer-owners, supporting reinvestment in farms and rural communities.

• Local Production: Ensures a secure supply chain resilient to international tariffs and market disruptions.

• Accountability: Farmer participation ensures alignment with agricultural priorities.

“It’s empowering to know that decisions about this Canadian-owned facility are being made with farmers at the table. This isn’t just about fertilizer—it’s about securing a stable, reliable Canadian supply chain and the future of agriculture in Western Canada,” says Darren Oliphant, a grain producer from Eston SK.


Looking Ahead: The Road to 2029

Genesis Fertilizers’ future milestones include:

• 2024-2026: Finalizing technical designs, securing permits, and preparing the site for construction.

• 2027-2028: Developing seven farmer-focused Supercenters strategically located across Western Canada, designed for efficient storage, blending, and distribution.

• 2029: Commissioning the facility and transitioning to full-scale production, delivering sustainable fertilizers directly to farmers.

Shaping the Future of Canadian Agriculture

Genesis Fertilizers represents more than an infrastructure project; it’s a collaborative movement toward sustainable, farmer-empowered
agriculture. By addressing fertilizer supply challenges, promoting environmental stewardship, and reinforcing local economies with a secure, Canadian-controlled supply chain, Genesis Fertilizers is shaping a resilient, sustainable future for Western Canada’s farming communities.