Europe searches for alternatives in fertiliser supply battle

 
The battle for fertiliser, a vital commodity for food production, has emerged as one of the by-products of the Russia/Ukraine conflict, leaving states in Europe and elsewhere scrambling for alternative suppliers. Though alternatives exist there is no obvious quick fix.

“Gas is a major raw material for fertiliser’s production, and Europe imports almost 40% of the latter from Russia” Jacob Hansen, Director General of Fertilizers Europe, told EURACTIV. Hansen’s association represents mineral fertiliser manufacturers in the EU.

“Putin is playing games with gas, and this led to very high fertiliser prices, and without them, we do not have food security” added Hansen.

That leaves European states facing difficult and potentially limited choices in how to ensure their food security, especially with winter now approaching. (...)