Mineral fertiliser shortages – Can we reduce our dependence through organic fertilisers and legumes?

Question for written answer  E-002968/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Annika Bruna (ID), Gianantonio Da Re (ID), Elżbieta Kruk (ECR)

The reduction in the supply of Russian gas reaching the EU is causing a shortage and a sharp rise in the price of nitrogen fertilisers, for which gas is an essential raw material.

In addition, the import of Russian fertilisers is affected by EU sanctions, due to the high premiums demanded by insurance companies and shipping companies to cover shipping risks. Belarusian potash imports have been banned by the EU.

This situation is dangerous for Europe’s food security, as our agricultural production depends to a large extent on fertilisers. However, 60% of fertiliser imports come from Russia and Belarus, which export ammonia, phosphate and potash.

To reduce the impact of its own sanctions, the EU is seeking alternative suppliers such as Morocco, Canada and Algeria. However, these substitute imports maintain our dependence and reduce access to the resources for African states.

Faced with this shortage of mineral fertilisers, what is the Commission doing to support alternative, more environmentally friendly solutions, such as the production of legumes (to fix nitrogen in the soil) and the local production of organic fertilisers, such as livestock effluents (slurry, manure, digestate, etc.)?