Fact-finding mission to growhow is a step in the right direction to better communication

NFU President Peter Kendall was among a delegation of NFU visitors to the GrowHow site in a move to improve communication between the fertiliser producers and farming leaders.

The delegation was given a tour of the plant and told about the on-going programme of investment which averages £20million a year. Senior GrowHow executives were also grilled about fertiliser costs and the issues surrounding the global factors of the volatile fertiliser market.

Mr Kendall said: "Poor communication from fertiliser manufacturers has led to growing fears among farmers over the single supplier position. There is room for improvement, so it is vital GrowHow gets on the front foot and starts communicating through the press on how the global fertiliser industry is changing.

"It is a complicated issue but the fertiliser industry has got to tell people what is going on. There is no doubt that Britain needs a viable, professionally-run fertiliser business and I am pleased GrowHow is now starting to listen to our concerns and has agreed to a more open relationship."

The NFU and GrowHow also discussed ways the farming industry could optimize its use of nitrogen and reduce its fertiliser use with more investment into smarter technology.

GrowHow UK Commercial Director David Stacey added: "GrowHow UK is the only UK-based fertiliser manufacturer and we are dedicated to be supplying the UK. That is why we believe it is so important to have an open relationship with the farming industry."