Feeding the world’s growing population

New Zealand’s reputation as a quality food producer is growing.

Optimising food production

Over the next 50 years farmers around the world will need to produce more food than has been grown over the past 10,000 years.

Best use from a limited resource

Fertiliser helps farmers produce food efficiently by replenishing the soil. But fertiliser needs to be used responsibly.

Responsible and sustainable nutrient management

The Fertiliser Association invests in research and tools to ensure farm profitability while minimising nutrient losses to the environment.

The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand promotes and encourages responsible and scientifically-based nutrient management.

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Why fertiliser?

Fertiliser provides nutrients to plants that are not readily available in the soil, helping farmers to foster plant growth and increase yields. Careful and efficient nutrient use is the cornerstone of New Zealand agriculture.

The world demand for food produced in New Zealand is growing. New Zealand’s food production generates more than 50% of our export income.

It is estimated that without fertiliser use, New Zealand's soils would be able to support less than half, and possibly as low as 25%, of the animals grazed or crops grown. Such a drop in agricultural production would have a devastating effect on the nation’s economy.

The global population is growing rapidly. It is estimated by the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation that globally we will need to increase food production by 70% by 2050 to meet demand. Fertiliser will play an important part in ensuring the world’s food supply is sufficient.

For Global Fertilizer Day 2023, the International Fertiliser Association (IFA) produced the following video, as a reminder of the important role that fertiliser plays in feeding our global population. 

Global Fertilizer Day video



The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand and Dairy NZ funded development of the Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme (NMACP). This industry-wide certification aims to ensure that advisers have the learning, experience and capability to give sound nutrient advice.

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3 July 2024

An interest in farm sustainability and sustainable fertiliser management was the key driver behind Massey University student Theané de Klerk’s decision to focus her Master’s degree on New Zealand’s agricultural phosphorus budget. Theané is one of three students that the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand is currently supporting.

26 June 2024

The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand have updated our Fertiliser Use on New Zealand Sheep and Beef Farms booklet.

The booklet provides clear and concise information on key aspects of soil fertility and nutrient management for productive drystock farming. 

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