EU plan to strengthen fertiliser supply and food security

European farmers are facing increasing pressure due to recent supply disruptions and the volatility of fertiliser prices. To support the agricultural sector, the European Commission has presented an action plan aimed at protecting farmers from rising costs and fertiliser shortages, strengthening domestic production, and reducing dependence on imports.

The plan includes measures to ensure food security by improving farmers’ access to fertilisers.

The planned actions include:

• the provision of exceptional financial support,
• the introduction of a new liquidity scheme to facilitate cash flow management,
• enhanced incentives for more efficient farming practices,
• support for nutrient management on farms and the proposal of measures to facilitate the use of digestates, the nutrient-rich material resulting from organic waste such as food scraps or manure.

Finally, the plan aims to improve market transparency and preparedness, as well as dialogue among sector stakeholders. To achieve this, a European fertiliser value chain partnership will be launched, market monitoring and early-warning capacities will be strengthened, and options such as strategic stockpiling of key fertilisers will be assessed.