This Monday, October 13th, is World Fertilizer Day, a date that commemorates the Haber-Bosch process, the scientific innovation that made it possible to fix nitrogen from the air to produce mineral fertilizers on a large scale. Thanks to this advancement, millions of people today have access to abundant food at much lower prices than if agriculture relied solely on organic sources.
The National Association of Fertilizer Manufacturers (ANFFE), which represents the main producers operating in Spain, reminds us today that fertilizers are essential, not only to produce more, but also to keep food prices affordable for consumers.
Half of the world's food depends on fertilizers. It is estimated that nearly 50% of the food we consume today would not exist without mineral fertilization. If farmers could not rely on these inputs, millions of additional hectares of arable land would be needed, which would not only increase food prices but also have a significant environmental impact due to deforestation and biodiversity loss.
For its part, the European fertilizer industry is actively committed to decarbonization, innovation and reducing the environmental footprint of its products, opting for more efficient and sustainable solutions for the future of the agri-food sector.
ANFFE emphasizes on this World Day that fertilizers not only feed the planet, but also ensure that food is accessible and affordable for the entire population.