education foundation created in 1980 by the board of directors of the potash & phosphate institute ppi now the international plant nutrition institute ipni to expand its research efforts beyond that possible with ppi s resources and mandate . the mission of far is to improve the economic vigor and sustainability of agriculture in north america and around the world while protecting and enhancing the environment . far facilitates research and education programs in cooperation with ipni . far s effectiveness is enhanced by the ipni agronomic staff . they are capable respected scientists who work closely with a variety of stakeholders monitor research projects and assist in the interpretation and extension of results . far works to integrate a broad spectrum of interests and to assemble multi regional projects with multi disciplinary research teams . far focuses on factors that limit crop production or that have the potential to impact the environment . ipni far supported research addresses all plant nutrients and various other practices like tillage residue management crop rotation plant population and crop protection . far research initiatives address complex questions related to cropping systems food production and crop quality . far publications and far s website present key issues and new information . far and ipni sponsor a variety of educational programs such as the popular infoag conference series . working with extension commodity organizations certified crop advisers and other organizations far s outreach programs are designed to quickly get practical information to people who can put it to work in the field . for more information contact dr. paul fixen senior vice president americas and oceania group and director of research . phone 605 692 6280 e mail pfixen ipni.net