On May 19, the European Commission adopted the Fertiliser Action Plan, an initiative designed to support farmers facing rising fertiliser costs and supply shortages, strengthen domestic production, and reduce Europe’s dependence on imports.
The Plan aims to help safeguard food security and reinforce Europe’s strategic autonomy, while maintaining high climate and environmental ambitions.
Recent supply disruptions and price volatility have placed growing pressure on farmers across Europe, exposing the region’s vulnerability to external shocks in fertiliser supply. Building on the 2022 Fertilisers Communication, the new Action Plan combines immediate measures to improve affordability and security of supply with longer-term actions to boost domestic fertiliser production, strengthen supply resilience, and accelerate the transition to bio-based, low-carbon, and circular fertilisers.
“With this Action Plan, we are investing in a stronger European fertiliser industry, supporting European farmers and accelerating innovation in sustainable, home-grown solutions,” President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said. “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.”
Support for Farmers And Improved Access to Fertilisers
The Commission will provide targeted financial support to farmers affected by high fertiliser costs through existing EU agricultural instruments. Before summer, it will propose reinforcing the agricultural reserve to provide immediate liquidity support ahead of the next production cycle.
A new legislative package will also give Member States greater flexibility under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including measures to improve cash flow, allow advanced payments, and encourage more efficient and sustainable fertiliser use, including bio-based alternatives.
Additional measures will focus on better nutrient management, wider uptake of nutrient-efficient farming practices, and stronger Farm Advisory Services. The Commission will also facilitate the use of digestates and clarify implementation rules under the Nitrates Directive to better reflect practical farming conditions.
Strengthening Domestic Production and Promoting Circular Fertilisers
The Commission aims to strengthen Europe’s fertiliser industry, reduce import dependency, and support decarbonisation. Measures will promote wider use of organic and bio-based fertilisers, as well as nutrient recovery from sources such as sewage sludge, algae biomass, and microbial solutions.
As part of the upcoming ETS review, the Commission will assess ways to support the fertiliser sector while ensuring progress on decarbonisation and increased production of sustainable fertilisers. It will also explore incentives for carbon farming and carbon removals through a mix of public and private funding.
To accelerate the transition, the Commission will reduce administrative barriers, improve Single Market functioning for sustainable fertilisers, simplify circular economy rules, and mobilise EU funding for green innovation, biogas, biomethane, and nutrient recovery infrastructure.
Improving Market Transparency and Resilience
To improve coordination across the sector, the Commission will launch an EU Fertilisers Value Chain Partnership bringing together producers, farmers, and Member States to address supply, production, and affordability challenges.
The Commission will strengthen market monitoring and early-warning systems, including better data collection on prices, stocks, and market developments. It will also assess how CBAM and ETS costs affect fertiliser and food prices.
To improve preparedness, the EU will examine options such as strategic stockpiling, seasonal reserves, and joint procurement to reduce exposure to external shocks and price volatility.
International cooperation with partner and neighbouring countries will continue to support supply diversification, transparency, and investment opportunities in fertiliser production and inputs.
