The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has called upon the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to deliver on four objectives that aim to support the UK fertiliser sector.
In a letter to Defra Minister Dame Angela Eagle, the AIC outlined where government action is needed to bolster fertiliser supply resilience, market confidence, and informed decision-making across the sector.
One of the main priorities Defra should focus on is supporting access to credit lines for fertiliser purchases, according to the AIC.
With farmers already feeling the pressure on their cashflows when purchasing fertiliser, the confederation claimed that the increased access to credit lines will “reduce disruption and strengthen market confidence.”
Another recommendation from AIC is the introduction of a national fertiliser recording system, similar to those operating in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Defra has been encouraged to consider the value of such a system, with the confederation arguing that it could improve transparency around product volumes on farm and carry-over stocks – supporting better national oversight as a result.
CBAM
The AIC also demanded urgent clarity from Defra on how the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will apply to fertiliser, including default carbon footprints and free allowance starting points.
Waiting until the last four months of this year to offer clarity is “unworkable”, according to the AIC, given “how fertiliser is ordered and imported in advance”.
“Failure to do so risks exacerbating whole food supply chain challenges.”
In addition to this, the AIC called for greater clarity on the UK’s position regarding fertiliser produced in Russian owned facilities operating within Europe.
It claimed that reported uncertainty around sanctions interpretation and banking restrictions is “hindering lawful trade and creating market distortion” compared with other European markets.
AIC
As the trade body representing UK fertiliser manufacturers and distributors, AIC stated that it is committed to working constructively with the government and other officials.
While many farms may have secured their fertiliser requirements for this year, AIC’s head of fertiliser, Jo Gilbertson highlighted the potential impact that ongoing global disruption could have on supply chains in 2027.
Gilbertson commented: “Although the government has limited influence over internationally traded fertilisers imported into the UK, it does have control over domestic policy, which plays an important role in maintaining industry confidence and supporting UK food security.
“The government’s proposal for a new UK Fertiliser Regulation is something AIC has long called for and very much welcomes.
“However, it is also important that all available options to support UK agriculture are considered, which is why AIC has written to Ministers setting out four specific asks,” she added.