Fertiliser Supply Working Group

Fertiliser is a critical input to agricultural production and, by extension, food security.

Australia is entirely import reliant for urea fertiliser, with 62% of Australia’s fertiliser imports coming from the Middle East, and much of the other 38% reliant on Middle Eastern gas as a feedstock.

Current disruptions to Middle Eastern production and transport pose significant risks to fertiliser supply for producers, leading to reduced yields, productivity, profitability, and food security for Australians and those in our region.

The Fertiliser Supply Working Group (the Working Group) has been established to share insights on supply restrictions and opportunities, monitor impacts, and inform policy development to address issues as they arise.

The Working Group will provide advice and information to the government, in relation to both immediate response measures and longer-term policies to address supply chain risks. The Working Group is not a decision-making body.

Australian Government members:

• The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF, Chair)
• The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) or representative from the PM&C Fuel Supply Taskforce
• The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)
• The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
• Export Finance Australia (EFA)

Industry members:

• Fertilizer Australia
• The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF)

The Working Group will initially meet weekly and report to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Minister for Industry, Science and Resources. The Working Group may adjust meeting frequency as needed.

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