Launching the eight-week probe, the department said the aim was to make it easier for farmers to access a more diverse range of innovative products with the potential to reduce air, land and water pollution.
Amid cost spikes caused by the war in the Middle East, Defra noted that the regulatory framework for fertilisers has gone largely unchanged for 20 years and applies ‘mainly to mineral fertilisers, limiting its scope’.
In 2023, CF Fertilisers significantly scaled back its manufacturing operations, meaning we now import more than 60% of our fertilisers. For the fertiliser it does produce, the shut-down of its on-site ammonia production and move to imported ammonia means it is susceptible to global prices. This is not sustainable in the face of such volatility in global markets.
“The consultation raises important questions about supply chain resilience, costs and regulatory burden for farm businesses.”
NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins
Reliable and affordable market
Responding to the news, NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins said: “Farmers need a fertiliser market that is reliable and affordable. We welcome Defra’s plans to modernise the rules, but it’s vital farmers can continue to access a wide range of safe, effective and affordable products.
“The consultation highlights progress in areas like green ammonia and recycled nutrients. It’s good to see support for these innovations, but the consultation raises important questions about supply chain resilience, costs and regulatory burden for farm businesses across arable, livestock and horticulture sectors.
“The UK must also remain attractive for fertiliser imports, with alignment to international standards to protect supply resilience.
“The NFU will respond in detail to this consultation and we look forward to working with Defra to ensure the final framework is practical, boosts productivity and supports long-term food security.”
Government monitoring developments
The government said it is ‘actively monitoring developments in the Middle East and the impacts on the food and farming sector, including rising fertiliser prices’. It has also raised concerns with the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) and has asked AHDB to report back on fertiliser and red diesel supply and use.
The CMA has confirmed it will work with government to identify and monitor sectors likely to be affected by price rises and disruption – including fertilisers.
These developments follow NFU President Tom Bradshaw’s meeting with Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds and Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle earlier in the month, where Tom outlined issues NFU members have been experiencing over transparency on pricing, with some farmers not receiving a price until delivery.
Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said the proposals outlined in the consultation “would help support innovation in the fertiliser sector, reduce reliance on imports, and support more sustainable farming”.
You can access and respond the consultation at: GOV.UK | UK fertilisers: regulatory reform.
