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Australia's largest supplier of nutrients to agriculture has welcomed moves to tighten regulations for the sale and storage of fertiliser-grade ammonium nitrate on security grounds.
The Managing Director and CEO of Incitec Pivot Limited, Mr Greg Witcombe, said Federal Government proposals would make it more difficult to purchase the product for illegal purposes.
He announced that the company had decided to follow the Government's lead by ceasing immediately to sell ammonium nitrate fertiliser into the agricultural market.
"We applaud the Government's intention to consider an eventual ban on ammonium nitrate fertiliser," Mr Witcombe said.
"However, we believe that continuing to sell the product until this occurs is not necessary because alternative fertiliser products are available to replace ammonium nitrate fertiliser.
"Therefore we have taken the decision that the most responsible course is for us to withdraw our ammonium nitrate fertiliser from the market and invite the return of all product currently held in dealerships and on farms."
Mr Witcombe said that several other fertilisers with agronomic qualities similar to ammonium nitrate were available as equally effective substitutes.
"We will also be putting a lot of effort into communicating the proven substitute products that are available for various crops."
Media Contact:
Neville Heydon
Corporate Affairs Manager
Tel 03 8695 4581, 0408 123 160
Email neville.heydon@incitecpivot.com.au
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
- Fertiliser-grade ammonium nitrate is not an explosive, but is tragically sometimes used as a component in illicit bomb-making.
- ncitec Pivot's decision to withdraw the product from the market is based on concern for public safety if the material is used for terrorist or criminal acts.
- Ammonium nitrate fertiliser is mainly used in horticulture. It has been used in Australia for many years, with total annual sales nationwide of approximately 40,000 tonnes.
- Incitec Pivot supplies about 80 per cent of the agricultural market for ammonium nitrate.
- Incitec Pivot will be assisting its customers with agronomic advice to choose alternative fertilisers which produce exactly the same or almost identical results in crops and pastures.
- Farmers seeking advice on alternative products should contact their local Incitec Pivot agent or dealer or Incitec Pivot Customer Service on 1800 555 716.
