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.”
For more information on safe fertiliser storage and handling, read the five-point plan for fertiliser security on the National Counter Terrorism Office (NaCTSO) website.