Farmers across Europe are cutting back on fertiliser use because they simply cannot afford it — and several EU governments now fear Brussels’ response may arrive too late for the next planting season. The consequences may eventually reach supermarket shelves through lower yields and therefore more expensive food.
EU agricultural ministers largely welcomed the European Commission’s new fertiliser action plan. But many warned it will not be enough unless Brussels delivers fast money‚ cheaper inputs and a clearer plan to reduce Europe’s reliance on imports. The Council discussions took place as farmers are facing high and volatile fertilizer and energy prices‚ combined with new global supply shortages.
The message was clear: the fertiliser sector needs support here and now, ahead of the next purchasing season. The Commission’s proposal — which includes emergency liquidity support, a reinforced agricultural crisis reserve, more flexible Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments and looser state aid rules — is broadly seen as a step in the right direction. According to Christophe Hansen‚ Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, the plan is both “a practical framework for action now” and “a strategic agenda for the years ahead”.
Farmers under pressure
Belgium warned that high fertiliser prices and Europe’s dependence on imports continue to put pressure on farms and food production. It welcomed the temporary removal of tariffs on imports. However, further measures will be necessary. “Particularly in the short term‚ to deal with the sector’s urgent needs,” Belgian Agriculture Minister David Clarinval noted. He also called for more support to farmers to use mineral and organic fertilizers more efficiently․
Several governments also linked the fertiliser debate to broader concerns about Europe’s strategic dependencies after recent supply disruptions exposed the agricultural sector’s vulnerability to global shocks. Finland called for better monitoring of fertiliser availability and prices. Bulgaria backed stronger EU production of low-carbon and circular fertilisers but warned that greener farming practices would require additional financial support for farmers.
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CBAM and energy pricing
EU governments are increasingly concerned that climate measures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) could further drive up fertiliser costs. Bulgaria called for a CBAM derogation until 2027.
The pressure is already visible across the sector. In April‚ the Romanian government reported that nitrogen fertiliser prices were 70 per cent higher than in 2024. The production costs were driven mainly by electricity and natural gas prices.
There appear to be no supply bottlenecks for the current crop year, but the risk of sharp increases in nitrogen fertiliser prices looms over the next two seasons if market distortions persist. Due to the rising costs, many farmers may simply stop planting certain crops, sow smaller areas — or leave farming altogether.
Brussels is hoping that emergency EU funding can help prevent the fertiliser crisis from spilling into the next planting season. According to commissioner Hansen, around €200 million remains available in the EU’s agricultural crisis reserve — a figure that could still more than double through upcoming budget negotiations.
In the short term, the Commission plans to channel support through a reinforced crisis reserve, more flexible CAP rules and unused second pillar funds in an effort to get liquidity to farmers more quickly.
Circular fertilisers and digestates
At the same time, governments broadly agreed that Europe will eventually need to rely less on traditional mineral fertilisers and accelerate the shift toward circular and bio-based alternatives. Several member states backed greater use of recycled nutrients, biomethane and organic fertilisers, alongside technologies such as precision farming and nutrient recovery systems.
But while support for greener alternatives is growing, ministers also warned that many of the technologies remain too expensive or insufficiently developed for rapid large-scale deployment. Calls also grew for faster approval of digestates and other recycled fertilising products, provided environmental safeguards for water and soil are maintained.
Implementation will decide success
According to the Commission‚ the fertiliser action plan will benefit domestic production‚ bio based and low-carbon fertilisers‚ market monitoring and the functioning of the single market. But ministers have pledged that the test will be delivery‚ including rapid payout‚ straightforward systems‚ and support which does not create new costs or challenges for farmers․
Mr Hansen said that the EU Fertilisers Value Chain Partnership would provide a vehicle to translate this proposal into policy dialogue between farmers‚ producers and member states. “Our farmers deserve it‚” he said‚ calling on his colegislators to keep moving.
