Government should back biofertiliser to shield farmers from rising costs

The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) has called on the Government to support wider use of British biofertiliser, warning that farmers face rising costs as global energy prices push up the price of synthetic fertiliser.

In an open letter to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, the trade body urged ministers to relax restrictions on digestate, a nutrient-rich biofertiliser produced as a by-product of biogas generation, to help reduce reliance on imported fertiliser.

ADBA said the request comes amid renewed volatility in global energy markets, following disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and rising natural gas prices, which directly affect the cost of producing synthetic fertiliser.

More than one million tonnes of artificial fertiliser are currently used in Britain each year, while domestically produced digestate remains under-utilised.

The association argues that promoting digestate use would improve food security and reduce exposure to international price shocks. The UK now has no domestic production of synthetic fertiliser, making agriculture vulnerable to supply disruptions.

ADBA Chair Chris Huhne said fertiliser prices could again exceed £700 per tonne, potentially reaching £900 per tonne during the spreading season, placing pressure on farm margins and food prices.

With more than 750 biogas plants operating across the country, ADBA estimates digestate could replace up to 30% of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use and reduce economic risk to farmers by around £170m in the first year.

The trade body said government support for anaerobic digestion and biofertiliser is essential to protect farmers and strengthen long-term resilience in the UK food system.

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