Fertilisers: Russia

(asked on 10th March 2022) - View Source

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support British (a) farmers and (b) businesses that may be effected by shortages of fertiliser caused by sanctions on Russia.


Answered by
Victoria Prentis Portrait
Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
This question was answered on 18th March 2022

The UK sources fertiliser from a wide range of countries and also produces fertiliser such as ammonium nitrate domestically. Russia and Belarus account for only c. 10% of our direct fertiliser imports by value. However, global fertiliser prices have been driven higher since the start of the conflict in Ukraine as Russia is a major exporter of fertilisers and natural gas used in the production of fertilisers.

The situation and impacts on farmers in particular, and industry more widely, of current high fertiliser prices and the global fertiliser market, are being monitored closely. We understand from industry intelligence that the vast majority of fertiliser needs for this planting season have been met.

Defra is in regular contact with key industry figures including the National Farmers Union (NFU), fertiliser producers and importers, and the key sector representative body for fertilisers, the Agricultural Industries Confederation. We are continuing to monitor the security and stability of fertiliser and other supply chains, and working closely with colleagues across government and devolved administrations as well as industry figures to share knowledge and discuss all options available to tackle these issues. This will help inform how Defra and other industry bodies can best support farmers.

There are nutrient management techniques and technologies that can be used alongside fertiliser products that help the efficacy of fertilisers and help maintain high yield and good quality produce. Support in the form of guidance from fertiliser suppliers and agricultural organisations such as NFU can be found from various public sources. Defra is aware that the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has published many helpful public pieces of guidance, advice and webinar recordings on mitigating high fertiliser prices.

Defra is committed to promoting better nutrient use efficiency. The current shortage of inorganic fertilisers provides an opportunity for farmers to continue exploring increasing their use of environmentally sustainable products and more efficient nutrient management methods.

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