Britain's fertiliser industry is setting standards in security, quality and service that are the envy of the world, says Roger Brogden, newly appointed Chairman of the Agricultural Industries Confederation's Fertiliser Sector.

Speaking at the AIC Annual Fertiliser Dinner, Mr Brogden outlined how important these factors are for the whole of UK farming.

The matter of fertiliser security and the threat of terrorism remains high on the agenda.
"That the Queen's Jubilee and Olympic games all passed off without incident is not just luck," said Mr Brogden. "There was a tremendous amount of hard work behind the scenes by the security services, AIC staff and the Confederation's members.

"The UK fertiliser industry can hold its head high. We have achieved security and traceability of supply from point of origin to the farmgate. And we have achieved it voluntarily. FIAS – the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme – is the envy of the world."

The challenge remains to ensure that fertiliser remains as secure on the farm as it is in the supply chain. Mr Brogden paid tribute to the support that the farming unions have given to the ‘Secure your fertiliser' campaign.

AIC has also achieved benefits for its members through its quality in the health and safety of storage and delivery of fertiliser. This has been acknowledged by the Health and Safety Executive that has notified a number of fertiliser companies that their businesses will not be inspected in the coming year.

"This is a great example of ‘earned recognition' and lighter touch regulation," said Mr Brogden.

Again, the UK has hosted a fact finding visit from 14 European countries – a further reflection of the standing of our national industry.

While pressure groups will berate fertilisers for all manner of reasons, the fact is that the fertiliser industry has a vital part to play in the biggest challenge facing the planet today – feeding a growing population.

The work of the fertiliser sector through AIC is not going un-noticed by government. Mr Brogden announced that AIC and AHDB will take the lead, with Rothamsted in an independent scientific review process to deliver new recommendations for the next edition of The Fertiliser Manual -RB209.

"I would argue, that only a trade association with a high reputation for quality and  integrity could be trusted with such a role," he said.

Finally, Mr Brogden called for a long-term strategic plan for the fertiliser industry and its role in food security.

"Our last minister of food and farming Jim Paice, gave us considerable encouragement in his response to the first report of the Greenhouse Gas Task Force. I trust his successor David Heath will continue to endorse our work with as much enthusiasm, as we cannot afford to lose momentum if we are to fully play our part."