Check fertiliser storage safety as prices soar, farmers told
© Tim Scrivener Farmers are being urged to review the security of their fertiliser storage amid soaring prices and potential excess stock on farms.
The rising value of existing stocks of nitrogen-based fertilisers on-farm could lead to increased thefts, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) and AIC Services has warned.
The AIC runs the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS), which has been developed to help the industry manage the safety, security and traceability of all fertilisers.
See also: Rule reminder – how to store fertiliser safely
Roberta Reeve, technical manager of FIAS, said with high global gas prices pushing up the cost of nitrogen-based fertilisers, some were facing difficult decisions about crop-feeding plans this winter and spring.
“There is a risk of nitrogen-based fertilisers being used for illegitimate purposes, and anyone handling or storing these products has a responsibility to provide secure storage and to remain vigilant to potential theft,” warned Mrs Reeve.
“While light-hearted comments on social media about selling excess stock of fertiliser may appear harmless, this may draw the situation to criminals’ attention.”
GB prices for imported ammonium nitrate averaged around £395/t in September, but have since risen by as much as 60% with reports that price increases have continued to £700/t and beyond for some, according to the AHDB.
Farmers can make best use of their available stocks of fertiliser by seeking advice from a Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme (Facts) qualified adviser.
Where cropping plans have changed and excess stocks are no longer needed, reselling the fertiliser is an option but must be done through proper channels, a return to the original supplier and refund or resale, the AIC advises.
Correct documentation
It is illegal to sell ammonium nitrate without the correct documentation and fertilisers should not be advertised on auction sites, local trade magazines or social media.
Mrs Reeve further reminded farmers not to purchase fertiliser unless the source is known and they have the correct documentation.
“Sellers should be FIAS-approved, and you can check this on the Assurance Scheme website. You can also check with your Facts adviser if you are unsure,” she added.
“Everyone in the industry should be alert to the potential misuse and mis-sale of nitrogen-based fertiliser by reporting suspicious activity or sales to the police.”
Secure your nitrogen fertiliser: five-point plan
Farmers who are carrying increased stocks of nitrogen-based fertilisers into the winter should remind themselves of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office’s five-point plan for secure storage:
- Wherever possible use a FIAS-approved supplier
- Wherever possible keep in a secure area such as a building or sheeted, away from public view
- Carry out regular stock checks and report any loss to the police immediately (call 101)
- Avoid leaving fertiliser in a field overnight – never leave fertiliser in field for a long period of time
- Remember it is illegal to sell ammonium nitrate without the correct documentation.