Advice on navigating fertiliser supply challenges

Fertilizer Australia today warned that continued interruption to supply of fertiliser cargoes through the Strait of Hormuz was causing increasing uncertainty for future nitrogen fertiliser availability for Australian farmers.

More than 60% of the urea fertiliser imported to Australia travels through the Strait of Hormuz. We are aware there are shipments stranded cancellations of future shipments in the Persian Gulf. The Chief Executive Officer of Fertilizer Australia Stephen Annells said if supply interruptions were not resolved in coming days Australia is at risk of ongoing urea shortages.

“Fertilizer Australia member companies are actively seeking to access increased quantities of urea from other manufacturing and supply regions, as well as sourcing alternative nitrogen products for farmers. We cannot guarantee these efforts will fully meet the needs of farmers in the medium term,” Mr Annells said.

Given these uncertain circumstances, Fertilizer Australia is recommending that farmers plan ahead for at least 90-120 days to source nitrogen fertilisers.
“Farmers need to be having conversations now with their local supplier about what might be available for in-crop nitrogen application,” Mr Annells said. “We urge growers to reach out to local agronomists who can assist in navigating nutrient use efficiency and where required, recommending alternative nitrogen products”, he added. Fertcare Approved Agronomists are uniquely equipped with the expertise to enhance fertiliser management, optimise crop yields, and support sustainable agricultural practices.

As uncertainty persists around the supply and price of nitrogen fertilisers such as urea, it is crucial for farmers and growers to focus on improving nitrogen use efficiency. Better management of nitrogen resources not only enhances productivity but also reduces dependence on an uncertain supply situation.

Stephen Annells, CEO Fertilizer Australia