AIC has four central asks to boost resilience for UK farmers
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has written to food security and rural affairs minister Dame Angela Eagle following recent discussions to formally set out four key priorities for the UK fertiliser sector.
Against the backdrop of significant domestic and global challenges, AIC said the priorities outline where targeted government action is needed to support fertiliser supply resilience, market confidence and informed decision making across the sector.
The first priority centres around access to finance and farmer cashflow, with AIC stating it has raised concerns about growing pressures on farmer cashflow and access to credit, which are already influencing purchasing decisions for the upcoming season.
Government should explore options to support access to credit lines for fertiliser purchases to reduce disruption and strengthen market confidence, as has been seen in other European countries, the association said.
Secondly, AIC has asked Defra to consider the value of a national fertiliser recording system, like those operating in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Such a system could improve transparency around product volumes on farm and carry-over stocks, it said, supporting better national oversight.
AIC has also asked for urgent clarity on how the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will apply to fertiliser in the UK, including default carbon footprints and free allowance starting points. The trade body argued that waiting until Q4 2026 is unworkable given how fertiliser is ordered and imported in advance.
Failure to do so risks exacerbating whole food supply chain challenges, it warned.
Finally, AIC called for greater clarity on the UK’s position regarding fertiliser produced in Russian-owned facilities operating within Europe. Uncertainty around sanctions interpretation and banking restrictions is hindering lawful trade and creating market distortion compared with other European markets, it explained.
AIC head of fertiliser sector Jo Gilbertson said: “While many UK farms may have secured their fertiliser requirements for this year, we cannot overlook the potential impact that ongoing global disruption could have on supply chains in 2026 and 2027.
”Although the government has limited influence over internationally traded fertilisers imported into the UK, it does have control over domestic policy, which plays an important role in maintaining industry confidence and supporting UK food security.
“The government’s proposal for a new UK Fertiliser Regulation is something AIC has long called for and very much welcomes. However, it is also important that all available options to support UK agriculture are considered, which is why AIC has written to ministers setting out four specific asks.”
