British farmers could benefit from access to new and innovative
fertilising products which have the potential to reduce air, land
and water pollution under new government proposals launched today
(Thursday 19 March).
The consultation and call
for evidence set out plans to help support innovation in the
fertiliser sector, diversify supply, and strengthen the UK's
resilience to global market shocks.
Current fertiliser regulations are widely seen as outdated and
could do more to support fertiliser supply resilience and protect
the environment, as well as being more agile to enable new
products to enter the market. Despite its complexity, the
framework has remained largely unchanged for more than 20 years
and applies mainly to inorganic mineral fertilisers, limiting its
overall scope.
Expanding access to a wider range of fertiliser products and
introducing a more flexible legislative framework would help
strengthen future fertiliser supply.
The proposals form part of the government's plan to work
hand-in-hand with farmers and industry to put more homegrown food
on people's plates, grow the economy, and protect the
countryside.
The government is actively monitoring developments in the Middle
East and the impacts on the food and farming sector, including
rising fertiliser prices. It has taken action to support greater
price transparency, raising industry concerns with the
Competitions and Market Authority (CMA) and asking the
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board to report back on
fertiliser and red diesel supply and use across agricultural
sectors.
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 – so we can respond swiftly to
any evidence of harmful practices across the economy.
The government continues to work with industry and farmers to
understand any potential pressures and options to mitigate any
immediate risks.
Farming Minister Dame said:
Farmers work tirelessly to feed the nation, and they deserve a
system that keep pace with modern agriculture, supports farm
businesses, encourages innovation and cuts pollution.
These proposals would help support innovation in the fertiliser
sector, reduce reliance on imports, and support more sustainable
farming.
Jo Gilbertson, Agricultural Industries Confederation
Sector Head for Fertilisers, said:
This consultation represents an important opportunity to put in
place a fertiliser regulatory framework that is fit for the
future.
Aligning with a European‑style fertilising products model, while
tailoring it to UK conditions and co‑designing it with industry,
should help deliver a system that protects standards, supports
innovation, and works in practice for businesses and farmers
alike.
The proposed reforms will also embed environmental standards and
ensure labelling and marketing rules give end-users confidence
that the products they buy are safe and effective.
The new framework is intended to support a more circular economy
by increasing the use of recycled nutrients made by alternative
technologies, cut pollution to land and water, and create
opportunities for innovation and growth in the UK fertiliser
sector.
Implementation of the new framework will need to be an iterative
process and the call for evidence seeks views and evidence on
newer and novel products and materials to inform future policy
development, underlining the government's commitment to working
in partnership with the sector.
The consultation will run for eight weeks, closing on Wednesday
13 May with responses invited from farmers, manufacturers,
environmental groups and the wider industry via GOV.UK.
