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Prices for mineral fertilisers in France have risen massively compared to last year. Farmers currently have to pay 750 euros for a tonne of ammonium nitrate, whereas in November 2020 it still cost 250 euros. The prices for potash and phosphorus have also become considerably more expensive. This is reported by the online magazine Vitisphère. Many vintners would therefore like to switch to organic fertilisers, but in return they are confronted with a lack of raw materials. According to Denis Montagnon, director of the Burgundian wine consulting company Bourgogne Viti Service, the demand for organic fertilisers is enormously high. But the market is under massive pressure. Prices for some important raw materials have already risen by 75 per cent due to a lack of the necessary plant or animal feedstock, he said.
"Because of biogas subsidies, a lot of the plant resources are going to the energy sector," explains Lionnel Faber, sales and marketing director at fertiliser manufacturer Frayssinet. Other reasons for the shortage are the small harvest and the yellowing disease in beets, which in turn cause the price of potash to skyrocket.
Bad news for French winegrowers, who are already struggling with harvest losses and rising raw material prices.
(ru /source: Vitisphère; photo: 123rf.com)