British farmers turn to homegrown biofertilizers as global supply risks grow

British farmers are increasing their use of locally produced biofertilizers as geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions raise the cost of imported nutrients, according to a BBC report. Farmers in southern England report that organic alternatives like digestate and compost help protect them from global market volatility and improve soil quality.

This shift follows an estimated 80% increase in fertilizer prices after conflict involving Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global fertilizer and energy trade. The UK imports about three times more fertilizer than it produces, according to the National Preparedness Commission, raising concerns about the resilience of British agriculture during international supply shocks.

Farmers adopting biofertilizers report ongoing operational challenges. Frans de Boer, who operates an anaerobic digester in West Sussex, said digestate from maize-fed biogas now supplies about 80% of his farm’s nitrogen needs. However, he still supplements with imported fertilizers because digestate has lower nitrogen concentrations than synthetic products and requires higher application volumes.

Doug Taylor, who farms 1,100 acres near Folkestone, has used compost from green waste collections in East Kent for two decades. He notes that compost improves soil health and reduces environmental impact compared to synthetic fertilizers, though transportation and spreading costs remain high due to its weight and bulk.

Industry groups state that the UK’s increasing supply of food waste and organic material could support further growth in domestic biofertilizer production. The Renewable Energy Association estimates the UK produces about 25 million tonnes of digestate and 4 million tonnes of compost annually. New weekly household food waste collection requirements in England are expected to boost feedstock for anaerobic digestion and composting facilities.

Despite the momentum, experts cautioned that biofertilizers are unlikely to fully replace conventional fertilizers without broader changes in land use and farming systems. The National Preparedness Commission described the sector as still “small and nascent” globally, though it noted increasing signs of diversification in the UK market.

Source: BBC