Fertiliser rules and regulations are set to be overhauled for the first time in two decades – making it easier for farmers to access a wider range of products.
The reforms aim to modernise what government ministers say is an outdated regulatory system. They want to grant more access to recycled nutrients and emerging technologies – amid increasingly volatile prices for bagged fertiliser.
A government consultation on the issue aims to help ease exposure to heightened volatility in global markets, with fertiliser prices under pressure following geopolitical disruption and ongoing reliance on imports.
Supply concerns
The NFU has voiced concern about the UK fertiliser market. NFU deputy president Paul Tompkins said: “The consultation raises important questions about supply chain resilience, costs and regulatory burden for farm businesses.”
Access to reliable and affordable supplies of imported fertiliser is vital, particularly as domestic production has declined in recent years.
More than 60% of fertiliser is now imported – much of it via the Strait of Hormuz – leaving the sector at the mercy of global price swings and supply disruption amid the Iran war.
Push for innovation
Defra argues the new framework could support innovation and reduce environmental impact, including cutting pollution to land and water and encouraging the use of alternative nutrient sources.
Officials also highlighted developments such as green ammonia and recycled fertilisers as part of a broader shift towards a more circular economy. But industry leaders stress that any changes must work in practice on farm.
The NFU said the UK must remain aligned with international standards to ensure imports continue to flow and avoid tightening of supply.
The consultation will close at the end of April.Farmers, manufacturers and industry groups invited to submit evidence before a final framework is developed. Ministers will then take a view with an aim to putting crop nutrition on a more stable footing.
Input costs rise as conflict continues
Farmers heading into spring work face a familiar but unwelcome challenge: rising input costs driven by global events beyond their control.
The latest market updates suggest fertiliser remains available in the UK. But the direction of travel is clear. Prices are firming, supply chains are tightening and uncertainty is building.
Most arable farmers have secured supplies for the current season – but securing fertiliser for next season looks set to be costly. Many livestock producers, who often buy fertiliser later, are still in the market for this coming year.
Meanwhile, conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt energy markets and key fertiliser trade routes. That is already feeding through into farm costs – with analysts suggesting more rises will be felt later.
Mounting pressure
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) says the market is holding steady for now. But it warns of mounting pressure. “Fertiliser market remains stable, with no significant immediate disruption to UK supply anticipated.”
At the same time, it notes that competition for product is increasing and global factors are pushing prices higher.
The Middle East remains central to fertiliser production and shipping. Disruption to routes such as the Strait of Hormuz has reduced flows of key materials, including nitrogen fertilisers.
That has driven volatility across global markets. Energy prices have surged, with diesel up sharply. Fertiliser production depends heavily on gas, and higher energy costs quickly translate into higher fertiliser prices.
The NFU says the impact is already being felt on farm. “A lack of transparency over the pricing of these essential agricultural inputs has become a key issue for British farmers,” it has warned.