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.
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, News Cover reports, citing the UK government's official website.
Current fertiliser regulations are widely seen as outdated and could do more to support fertiliser supply resilience and protect the environment, as well as being more agile to enable new products to enter the market.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.
