NFU combinable crops board chairman Mike Hambly said: “The NFU is disappointed that the European Parliament has voted to reduce the maximum cadmium levels in phosphate fertiliser to 60mg/kg, eventually falling to 20mg/kg.
“The NFU urged MEPs to vote for a proposal reducing maximum levels to 80mg/kg, after evidence showed this effectively reduced cadmium concentration in soils and wouldn’t restrict the market supply.
“Fertilisers comprise as much as 45% of farm input costs and the proposed changes could see this increase further.
“As the main source of phosphate from North Africa would be closed off as a result of the proposed changes the industry would become solely dependent on Russia to supply phosphate with the required low levels of cadmium. Russian phosphate is already subject to tariffs and as the sole supplier of phosphate to the European market this could see prices rise.
“Ultimately, these proposals could make UK and European farmers less competitive with imports and the NFU calls on the Council to come to a sensible, evidence-based position which ensures that farmers are not left at a disadvantage in the global market.”