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.