THE Federal Government will establish a Fertiliser Supply Working Group which will include representatives from key government agencies, Fertilizer Australia and the National Farmers Federation.

Announced yesterday, the group will build on work already under way to improve the availability of fertiliser, with measures to include:

• Amending legislation to underwrite the purchase of fuel and fertiliser by the private sector;
• Working with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to monitor and co-ordinate fertiliser supply; and,
• Government and industry jointly engaging with alternative suppliers of fertiliser.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the government was working “day and night” with Australian farmers, fishers and producers to help manage the impact of the Middle East conflict.

“Our farmers and producers feed millions of people both here and abroad, but events like the conflict in the Middle East reaffirm why we cannot be complacent.

“That’s why we’ve taken immediate action to help safeguard Australia’s food production system, and to support our farmers and producers – including to help get fuel and fertiliser into our regions.”

Also yesterday, the government announced its deferral of full cost recovery for export regulatory services for one year until 1 July 2027.

“We recognise the disruption the conflict in the Middle East has had on our farmers and producers, which is why we are deferring the commencement of the phased transition to full cost recovery for export regulatory services for one year.”

Move welcomed by NFF

The National Farmers Federation has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that a fertiliser taskforce will be established, and that it will commit to fertiliser underwriting, as well as the deferral on full cost recovery for export regulatory services until 1 July 2027.

NFF president Hamish McIntyre said the package of measures has provided welcome breathing space for farmers and exporters facing sustained input-cost pressures and market uncertainty.

“These are practical decisions we’ve called for that will deliver more certainty for farmers and exporters at a time when margins are under real pressure,” Mr McIntyre said.

“It reflects the realities facing agriculture right now, including the difficulties in securing critical inputs like fertiliser, which are needed for food production.”

Mr McIntyre said the NFF had been advocating on these issues as part of a broader push to reduce cost pressures across the supply chain caused by the conflict in the Middle East and the “disappointing” European Union trade deal.

“We have been clear that additional cost burdens, such as the full cost recovery plan, risk undermining competitiveness and confidence right across the agricultural sector. This decision is a direct response to those concerns.”

Mr McIntyre said the measures would provide relief to most exporting industries, particularly those with tight export margins.

“The establishment of a fertiliser taskforce is an important step forward, and we look forward to being actively engaged as a taskforce member.

“We will continue to work with government on measures to address the impacts the conflict in the Middle East is having on farmers and food production.

“This includes reiterating our calls for an agriculture-specific plan.”

Source: Federal Government, National Farmers Federation