The fertiliser industry is showing increased solidarity as UK edges towards an EU exit, due to new 'draconian' EU laws limiting the levels of of cadmium in phosphate fertilisers.
Howard Clark, from the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), said the most important task for the industry is the continuing development of a new EU Fertilser Regulation. He described this process as a ‘tortuous journey through the legislative process’.
However, the list of issues identified as important in the face of Brexit is extensive for the fertiliser industry. These include: the risk of trade barriers and tariffs; the threat of losing access to the single market; and the possibility of a return to border and customs controls.
“Already we have seen a devalued pound lead to raw material costs increasing by some 15%, which is bad news for the whole food chain,” said Mr Clark.
“But the most pressing matter is proposals to limit the levels of cadmium in phosphate fertilisers. As ever, the EU has been draconian and proposed a phased reduction to just 20mg/kg of phosphate under the new regulation.
“To accept this proposal would mean a drastic reduction in potential sources of phosphate for the industry. Or a massive investment in a process called ‘decadmiation’ which remains unproven at commercial scale of operations,” said Mr Clark.
This is why AIC has committed considerable time to lobbying both in Brussels with MEPs and officials as well as with Defra and the devolved governments. The Confederation contends that an acceptable level of no less than 80mg/kg is acceptable.
“In addition, we are pressing for the right – at national level – for Member States to be able to operate independently of the Regulation and maintain their own national regulations.”
