A secure fertiliser industry can protect the environment and help feed a growing world
Fertiliser security, environment protection and the need to feed a growing world are the three key challenges facing the fertiliser sector, says AIC Fertiliser Sector Chairman Mike Buchan.
Speaking at the Annual Fertiliser Sector Dinner at the Institute of Directors, London Mr Buchan highlighted three key areas that the industry has to address.
The Oslo bombing in early summer has placed fertiliser security, especially for ammonium nitrate, high on government agendas across the European Union. The UK has been well placed to respond, thanks to the industry’s widespread uptake of the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme FIAS.
“There have been those who questioned the value of the scheme,” said Mr Buchan. “Let me assure you that when questions flow naturally from incidents such as Oslo, the established presence of FIAS is an essential basis for a constructive dialogue with government and the security services.
“In essence, FIAS is the right scheme in the right place at the right time.”
However, there will undoubtedly be some form of European regulation of fertiliser security. AIC will actively campaign to protect the established strength and international standing that FIAS has secured.
Addressing the challenge of ‘sustainable intensification’ which has emerged from the Foresight Report produced by Professor Sir John Beddington, Mr Buchan said the fertiliser sector could be proud of what has been achieved.
The industry had made massive investments to shrink its carbon footprint throughout the manufacture and distribution processes in the UK and across the EU. This should be taken into account when farmers are looking at the products they purchase.
“Could I suggest that products manufactured to stringent environmental standards may be worthy of a small premium?,” asked Mr Buchan.
The fertiliser sector has made a significant contribution to the Greenhouse Gas Action Plan, drawn up by AIC and other farming and landowning bodies. It has also contributed to a range of other initiatives including the Campaign for the Farmed Environment, professional nutrient management, catchment initiatives and so on.
Mr Buchan suggested the time may be right to look at more holistic campaigns and advisory packages to meet the needs of the farming industry.
“If a farmer has to address all these issues, the least we can do is advise him in a more joined up way,” said Mr Buchan.
Despite the challenges of security and regulation, it must not be forgotten that the primary purpose of fertiliser is to boost output and so help farming to feed the growing world.
The fertiliser industry continually invests in improving its technical know-how and passing that knowledge on to farmers.
“The FACTS scheme goes from strength to strength in ensuring the latest knowledge is readily available and put to work as quickly as possible,” said Mr Buchan.
“Fertiliser remains a vital foundation on which those charged with delivery food securing along with environmental protection must build. Through our research, development and advisory networks, we have a right to be recognised and respected as professionals.”