2022-11-11 ANFFE PRESS RELEASE on the Commission Communication on guaranteeing the availability and affordability of fertilizers

The European Commission has issued on November 9 a Communication on measures to guarantee the availability and affordability of fertilizers, in which it recognizes that urgent and specific action is required to improve the current conditions of the European fertilizer industry and of European farmers.

The mineral fertilizer industry is one of the essential sectors for humanity, since it provides the nutrients that crops need and because thanks to its activity it is possible to feed half of the world's population today.

In a situation like the current one, with exceptionally high prices, both for energy and for some raw materials, especially natural gas, a sector that is essential for society must be actively and resolutely supported, so that the future supply of fertilizers to European farmers can continue to be ensured and food security in the EU can be guaranteed.

The Commission, aware of the seriousness of the current situation, has decided to support the sector by including in its Communication, among others, the following proposals:

-Member States could prioritize continuous and uninterrupted access to natural gas for fertilizer producers in their national emergency plans, in case of gas rationing.

-The Commission will promote the following measures:

1. Better access to organic fertilizers and nutrients from some recycled.
2. Support for the conversion of the European nitrogen fertilizer industry to one based on ammonia produced using green hydrogen.
3. Ensuring that a market for low-carbon, renewable hydrogen-based fertilizers can be rapidly developed.
4. Support for the diversification of imports to reduce dependence on Russia and Belarus.

-The Commission will work with the Member States on the strategic plans of the CAP, and will adopt an Action Plan for Integrated Nutrient Management in 2023, to promote a more efficient use of them.

ANFFE welcomes the Commission's recognition of the fertilizer sector and hopes that the proposed measures are effective and can contribute to improving the conditions currently suffered by the sector.

Spanish fertilizer manufacturing companies have been working for many years to develop new products that improve the efficiency of nutrient use and to design scientific and digital solutions that help farmers improve fertilization practices and crop yields. They are also developing diversification and search projects for new secondary sources of raw materials, in order to avoid the current dependence on natural gas and other raw materials. These projects require significant investments, which is why effective support to companies is necessary, so that they can contribute to the future development of a more sustainable and low-carbon agriculture.


Link to the European Commission Communication: https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-11/communication-ensuring-availability-affordability-fertilisers_en_0.pdf