May 3, 2010
Australia's senate to address fertiliser supply issues
The fertiliser market is coming under renewed scrutiny by the Australia's Senate amid on-going farmer concerns about price and supply manipulation.
The Senate inquiry into food production in Australia will hold a hearing on Friday (May 7) to hear fresh allegations about these issues.
NSW Farmers Association grains committee chair Mark Hoskinson said there was still a lack of transparency and market information. "Independent research shows that there appears to be no supply shortage of fertiliser; in fact a growing surplus is forecast," Hoskinson said.
"Yet, often, retailers cannot inform the customer of when it will be available or at what price. Given the regular and constant demand for this product, we have to question this," he said.
The move comes only months after the Senate agricultural and related industries committee finalised a six-month inquiry into the fertiliser industry. In its final report in August last year, the inquiry called for tougher anti-competitive laws.