The government has said priority areas for the partnership will include protecting biodiversity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing more resilient supply chains.
The agreement comes ahead of COP30, due to be hosted in Brazil in November this year, where there will be a focus on cooperation between governments and international organisations on fertilisers.
Signed by UK Special Representative for Nature, Ruth Davis and Brazilian Deputy Agricultural Minister Cleber Oliveira Soares, the memorandum of understanding seeks ways to make fertiliser production more sustainable and efficient.
“Driving the efficiency of fertiliser use is critical for the commercial and broader sustainability credentials of food production.”
NFU Sustainability Group Lead Jack Watts
Efficient fertiliser use crucial for food production
NFU Sustainability Group Lead Jack Watts, who attended the launch of the partnership, said: “Fertilisers are important products in producing food in the UK and around the world. They come in many types from precision, nutrient-dense manufactured products through to by-products of food, farming and renewable energy, which enables the final parts of circular economies to be put in place.
“Driving the efficiency of fertiliser use is critical for the commercial and broader sustainability credentials of food production. This new partnership between the UK and Brazil will play a significant role from research and development through to knowledge exchange on new crop nutrition approaches and the important role of soil health.”
The NFU combinable crops sector resilience plan highlights the importance of improving nitrogen-use efficiency in fertiliser products to lower nitrogen costs per tonne of grain produced.
Growers need access to greater choice in the market when it comes to low carbon alternatives to manufactured fertiliser, alongside enhanced transparency to enable them to make an informed choice when it comes to targeted crop nutrition.
Food security
UK Special Representative for Nature, Ruth Davis said that "fertilisers are crucial for our food security, so it is vital that their production and use evolves in line with today’s environment and climate challenges".
“Brazil, host of COP30 and one of the world’s most biodiverse nations, have set an important example on tackling this vital issue,” she added.
Brazilian Deputy Agricultural Minister, Cleber Oliveira Soares said: “This partnership with the United Kingdom reinforces Brazil’s commitment to promoting solutions that reconcile food security, resilient supply chains, and the climate urgency we all share.”
