MEP welcomes lifting of Potash import restrictions

The European Commission has announced that as of the 13th July 2011, anti-dumping restrictions against Russia and Belarus with regards to Potash, an important mineral fertiliser, will be lifted. It is expected that the removal of restrictions will ease supply concerns and help to mitigate the effects of rising agricultural costs for EU farmers.

Robert Sturdy, MEP for the East of England, Vice-Chairman of the International Trade and member of Agriculture Committees in the European Parliament, said,

"I have lobbied long and hard to have the anti-dumping restrictions on potash removed, so today’s announcement by the Commission is great news.

"British farmers are having a tough time of late and the removal of import restrictions of potash is step in the right direction to help push down some of their production costs. It is hoped that industry will react positively to this news and act in interest of farmers.

"During difficult economic times we must avoid reverting to protectionist measures. Whilst I accept that in certain cases trade defence instruments are a vital tool against unfair trading, we must also act in the best interests of the Community. We must assess the overall impact to farmers and consumers before we impose similar measures in the future."