European Commission Adopts Fertiliser Action Plan to Safeguard Food Security and Support Farmers

The European Commission has officially adopted a comprehensive Fertiliser Action Plan aimed at securing Europe’s fertiliser supply, supporting farmers struggling with rising costs, and strengthening long-term food security across the European Union. 

The initiative comes as European farmers continue to face significant pressure from fertiliser shortages, market volatility, and increasing production costs caused by geopolitical disruptions and supply chain instability. The Action Plan combines immediate financial support measures with long-term strategies focused on strengthening domestic fertiliser production, improving resilience, and accelerating the transition toward sustainable and circular fertiliser systems.

Ursula von der Leyen highlights sustainability and resilience go

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said the Action Plan represents a major investment in Europe’s agricultural and industrial future.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission:

"With this Action Plan, we are investing in a stronger European fertiliser industry, supporting European farmers and accelerating innovation in sustainable, home-grown solutions. The ongoing fossil fuel crisis shows that climate leadership and economic resilience are interlinked. This is why Europe is building a future based on sustainability, affordability and industrial strength."

Financial support measures planned for European farmers

As part of the short-term response, the Commission will mobilise existing EU agricultural policy instruments to provide targeted support to farmers affected by high fertiliser costs. A substantial reinforcement of the EU agricultural reserve is expected to be proposed before the summer, aiming to provide liquidity relief ahead of the next production cycle. 

The Commission will also introduce a targeted legislative package allowing Member States to make fuller use of support under their Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans. Key measures are expected to include:

• New liquidity support schemes for farmers 
• Greater flexibility for advance payments 
• Incentives for nutrient-efficient farming practices 
• Support for bio-based fertilisers 
• Investments in farm resilience and sustainable nutrient management

Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, said the Commission recognises the growing pressure on Europe’s agricultural sector caused by rising costs and volatile international markets.

Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms:

"The European Commission recognises the difficulties the agricultural sector is facing as a result of rising costs and volatility in international markets. With this Action Plan, we are putting forward immediate measures to support farmers, including through the mobilisation of available cohesion policy resources, while also setting out medium- and long-term actions to strengthen the sector’s resilience, reduce external dependencies, and make European agriculture more robust and competitive."

Additional actions will focus on improving nutrient management systems, expanding advisory services for farmers, and encouraging farming practices that optimise fertiliser use while reducing environmental impacts.

EU pushes for circular and low-carbon fertiliser production

A major component of the Action Plan focuses on reinforcing Europe’s domestic fertiliser industry while reducing dependence on imported products. The Commission plans to promote circular economy solutions and low-carbon fertiliser technologies to prevent industrial decline and ensure stable long-term supplies.

The strategy encourages wider use of:

• Organic and bio-based fertilisers 
• Algae biomass solutions 
• Soil enhancers and microbial products 
• Biostimulants 
• Nitrogen and phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, stressed the importance of fertiliser security for Europe’s food production and strategic autonomy.

Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food:

"Food security starts with fertiliser security. Europe must produce more and depend less on others for the nutrients that sustain our agriculture. The Action Plan we present today is about securing Europe’s food production, competitiveness and strategic autonomy."

"On the short-term, we will support European farmers so they can buy the fertilisers they need for the next harvesting season. On the long term, we will strengthen our domestic production and unlock the potential for the development of bio-based fertilisers. This Action Plan will deliver a European partnership on fertilisers with investments and actions at all levels: European, national and private."

The Commission will also examine new options under the upcoming review of the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), linking industry support with commitments to decarbonisation and increased production of sustainable fertilisers.

Measures to reduce red tape and improve market functioning

To encourage greater adoption of sustainable fertilisers, the Commission plans to simplify regulations and reduce market barriers across the Single Market. Evaluations of the Waste Framework Directive are also expected to streamline circular economy practices related to animal by-products and nutrient recycling. 

Funding support for green innovation and modernisation will also be expanded. Existing EU cohesion funds may be used to support investments in:

• Biogas and biomethane production 
• Wastewater treatment infrastructure 
• Sludge valorisation projects 
• Nutrient recovery systems

New EU fertiliser partnership to strengthen collaboration

To improve market transparency and coordination, the Commission will establish a new EU fertilisers value chain Partnership involving fertiliser producers, farmers, Member States, and other stakeholders.

The initiative will facilitate policy dialogue aimed at addressing challenges related to fertiliser supply, production, pricing, marketing, and sustainable use. Outcomes from these discussions are expected to guide future solutions that support both farmers and the fertiliser industry.

The Commission also plans to strengthen market monitoring systems, improve early-warning capabilities, and enhance data collection related to fertiliser prices, stocks, and supply chain performance.

EU explores stockpiling and resilience measures

To improve preparedness against future disruptions, the Commission will assess options for strategic fertiliser stockpiling and other resilience mechanisms. Proposed measures may include:

• Seasonal reserve stocks 
• Minimum stock requirements 
• Joint procurement systems 
• Tools to reduce market volatility and external shock exposure

At the international level, the EU will continue cooperation with neighbouring countries, global partners, and candidate nations to diversify fertiliser supply chains and explore investment partnerships.

Background: Rising fertiliser prices threaten EU agriculture

Fertilisers remain critical for agricultural productivity, food security, and farm profitability throughout Europe. However, geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions have sharply increased fertiliser prices in recent years, creating significant challenges for farmers. 

The Commission warned that continued price pressure could force farmers to reduce fertiliser application rates or scale back cultivated land, potentially threatening crop yields and food production across the EU. 

Prior to the new Action Plan, the Commission had already introduced several support measures, including temporary tariff-free quotas for key nitrogen fertilisers and a temporary State aid framework for sectors affected by the Middle East crisis. 

The newly adopted Fertiliser Action Plan is expected to play a central role in strengthening Europe’s agricultural resilience, supporting sustainable food production, and advancing the EU’s long-term climate and industrial objectives.