Farm suppliers group lobbies for action on fertiliser
© Tim Scrivener The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has written to Defra ministers demanding government action to ensure the sector can remain resilient despite global supply chain disruption.
Fertiliser markets were thrown in to disarray this spring as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, impacting supplies and pushing up prices by an estimated 30-40% for some products.
The farm supply industry body has raised concerns with Defra about cashflow and access to finance for farm businesses and has urged the government to offer credit lines to farmers for fertiliser purchases, as some European countries have done.
See also: Weekly fertiliser data gives farmers granular view of prices
Jo Gilbertson, head of fertiliser at the AIC, said: “While many UK farms may have secured their fertiliser requirements for this year, we cannot overlook the potential impact that ongoing global disruption could have on supply chains in 2026 and 2027.
“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 AIC has also asked Defra for a national fertiliser recording system to improve transparency across the industry, and greater clarity on how the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will be applied.
It also wants a better understanding of the UK’s position on fertiliser produced in Russian-owned facilities in Europe.
Northern Ireland
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has voiced its own concerns around fertiliser markets and has written to both prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn.
UFU president William Irvine said: “Farmers have already experienced the impact of global instability following the war in Ukraine, where sharp increases in fertiliser and energy prices placed enormous pressure on farm businesses.
“For our arable farmers, fertiliser and fuel are fundamental to crop production.
“Any sharp increase in costs has an immediate and direct impact on margins, at a time when many in the sector are already under significant financial pressure.”
The UFU warned that many farm businesses were already operating on tight margins and the prospect of further increases in input costs could have serious implications for the viability of farm businesses.
Fertiliser survey
Farmers have been invited by Defra to complete a survey to share their recent experiences in obtaining fertiliser, as well as information about timing of purchases and quantity used.
Defra farming minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “We recognise farmers are facing uncertainty and we are working closely with the sector as the conflict in the Middle East affects fertiliser prices.
“Supply remains stable and we have a range of tools to help farmers use fertiliser more efficiently. But it’s vital we hear directly from farmers about how they are being affected and I encourage them to complete our short survey.”
Defra hopes that responses will provide a first-hand picture of the pressures on the ground for farm businesses.
