- With poor weather hampering efforts to deliver essential nutrients to crops, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) is urging farmers to be vigilant against the risks of fertiliser theft and follow safe handling and secure storage advice
Nitrogen-based fertilisers are at risk of being used in criminal activities such as terrorism, posing a serious threat to the public if products were to fall into the wrong hands. Anyone handling these products has a responsibility to store them securely and be vigilant against safety risks.
AIC – the agricultural supply trade association – runs the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS) which provides an assurance system to ensure that the security, safety and traceability of fertilisers meet the robust safety requirements of the Government and industry.
Roberta Reeve, AIC Services Technical Manager, said: “As farmers gear up for what may prove to be a hectic spring application window because of poor weather, it’s vital that they don’t forget their responsibility to keep fertilisers safe and secure at all times.
“By following the simple guidance on the storing and handling of fertiliser, farmers and growers will help to deter thieves and keep the public and the environment safe from harm.”
Fertiliser safety advice
The following advice is supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the National Farmers Union (NFU).
Safe storage
- Wherever possible, use a Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS) approved supplier.
- Wherever possible, keep fertiliser in a secure place away from public view, such as a locked building or sheeted area.
- Carry out regular stock checks and report any loss to the Police immediately by calling 101.
- Avoid leaving fertiliser in a field overnight, and never leave fertiliser in a field for a longer period of time.
Reselling surpluses
- It is illegal to resell ammonium nitrate fertiliser without the correct documentation – farmers are encouraged to report any suspicious sales activity to the Police by calling 101, and to the Home Office via its web reporting tool.
- Never advertise fertiliser for resale on auction sites, local and trade magazines, or social media. In particular, social media posts advertising surplus fertiliser stock for sale with pictures of product and storage locations significantly heighten a farm’s security risk and attract the unwanted attention of criminals.
Where crop plans change and existing stocks of nitrogen-based fertilisers held on farm are no longer needed, product can be safely resold by contacting the original supplier and arranging the return and refund. If this is not possible, speak to a FIAS-approved supplier or your FACTS adviser.
Find further guidance on the GOV.UK website.
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