We’re approaching one of the busiest periods of the year for fertiliser. Farms all across the UK will be starting to receive deliveries in the coming months, especially if they’ve heeded previous warnings and ordered early to secure supplies. While there is a lot going on, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has given a reminder on the importance of security. They are warning farmers to be vigilant to reduce the risk of thefts.

Threat

NaCTSO said the UK still has a high threat level, ranking it as “Substantial”. As a result, it is vital to consider key resources that could be the target of terrorists. Ammonium nitrate fertilisers are near the top of the list because of potential misuse to create explosives.

Because of the risk of misuse, the majority of fertilisers are controlled products. As a result, you need to order from a reputable supplier. Most importantly, ammonium nitrate must have the right documentation. Farmers should be very careful with this, ensuring they keep clear records.

How to improve safety and security?

While warning of the risks, NaCTSO is offering key guidance for storing and managing fertiliser. Their five point plan was written with help from partners FIAS and Red Tractor. Crucially, they warn that farmers should be careful and cautious, regardless of how much product they are storing.

The most important factor here is to ensure fertilisers are stored securely where potential criminals can’t easily get to them. This includes in secure buildings with good ventilation. They should be completely out of sight. When storing in an open-side barn or similar structure, it is best practice to cover the product to hide it as effectively as possible.

Another key warning is to be careful when receiving deliveries. It is likely product will sit temporarily in the open for a time. This opens the door for an opportunist to steal some. The best thing to do here is monitor the delivery and move it as quickly as possible to a secure storage area.

Next, the guidance warns of the importance of doing regular fertiliser stock checks. The aim here is to ensure farmers are tracking product effectively. This can provide two big benefits. Firstly, it gives the farmer a chance to monitor how much they are using and look at the costs. Secondly, it makes it easier to determine if any product is missing.

Finally, it is important to take care before and after using fertilisers. This includes avoiding leaving them in the open pre and post spreading. Critically, never leave them in a field overnight.

Head of NaCTSO Steve Fosher said they hope the advice will support farmers, limiting the financial losses if fertilisers are stolen. At the same time, it will reduce the chance of dangerous products getting into the hands of terrorist organisations. He also advised caution and vigilance, reminding farmers to report any suspicions.

Talk to us about fertiliser

JS Hubbuck Ltd has been supplying fertiliser for decades. In fact, it was the foundation of our business and remains one of the key cornerstones. Thanks to all of our experience, we know how to deliver it effectively and can offer advice about handling, storage, and more.

So, speak to us if you have any questions or want to purchase any products. We proudly serve large parts of Northern England and Scotland.