The European Commission is preparing to present, on 19 May, a Fertilisers Action Plan that could redefine how the European Union approaches the production, use and external dependence of these essential agricultural inputs. Against a backdrop of price volatility, geopolitical tensions and pressure to meet the targets of the European Green Deal, the plan is emerging as a strategic response to strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector and food security in the EU.

The forthcoming Fertilisers Action Plan is expected to be built around three main pillars. First, reducing dependence on imports of fertilisers and critical raw materials, by encouraging domestic production, diversifying suppliers and improving coordination between Member States in times of crisis. In this way, the Commission intends to reduce the vulnerability of European agriculture to external shocks, ensuring greater predictability of supply and more stable prices for farmers.

Second, the plan is expected to accelerate the transition to more sustainable fertilisers, promoting bio-based solutions, the use of recycled nutrients and the more efficient application of mineral fertilisers. The Commission is expected to propose measures to support technological innovation, foster pilot projects and strengthen financial instruments that facilitate investment in new solutions by industry and agricultural holdings.

The third pillar will focus on protecting soil, water and biodiversity, aligning the use of fertilisers with the Union’s climate and environmental objectives. Possible measures may include clearer guidance on good agronomic practices, more rigorous monitoring mechanisms and incentives for the adoption of precision techniques, which make it possible to apply only the strictly necessary amount of nutrients, thereby reducing losses and environmental impacts.

European farmers are awaiting the plan with particular interest. On the one hand, there is an expectation of greater stability and predictability in access to fertilisers; on the other, concerns remain that new environmental requirements could increase costs or red tape unless accompanied by adequate support. The balance between competitiveness, sustainability and food security will therefore be at the heart of the political debate that follows.

Should the presentation take place as scheduled, on 19 May, the Fertilisers Action Plan could become a central element of the European strategy to make the food system more resilient, competitive and sustainable. Negotiations with the European Parliament and the Council will follow, during which the details, implementation timelines and support mechanisms for the various players in the value chain will be fine-tuned.

In the coming months, much will depend on how this plan is implemented on the ground: the industry’s capacity to innovate, the support instruments made available to farmers and its coordination with other European policies on climate, energy and agriculture. What already seems clear is that this issue will move to the centre of the European agenda, with a direct impact on the decisions that will shape the future of agriculture in the Union.