Fertilizer International 507 Mar-Apr 2022
31 March 2022
Fertilizer Latino Americano welcomes you to Miami!
CONFERENCE PREVIEW
Fertilizer Latino Americano welcomes you to Miami!
Argus in collaboration with CRU will convene the 2022 Fertilizer Latino Americano conference in Miami, Florida, 21-23 March.
After more than two years of uncertainty and a pause on live events, Argus in conjunction with CRU are excited to bring FLA to the vibrant and exciting US city of Miami at the Hilton Miami Downtown. The conference will bring the industry together in person once more at Latin America’s largest fertilizer networking event with 600-700 delegates expected to attend.
The return of this premier Latin American fertilizer event should not be missed. Especially with a new location for 2022 and a renewed focus on the agenda for technology, innovation and sustainability. This year’s conference includes an ‘Added Value Fertilizers Americas Forum’ together with plenty of networking opportunities at our renowned evening receptions.
Below, three leading industry experts who will be presenting at FLA this year share their thoughts on the market outlook, emerging trends and the latest innovations. They also explain what they hope to gain from attending this year’s conference – particularly the importance of the event to themselves and the whole fertilizer industry.
Alzbeta Klein, director general, International Fertilizer Association (IFA)
Which current and emerging trends do you predict will promote growth within the Latin American fertilizer market?
The Latin American market is a vital contributor to feeding the world. Several countries in the region have grown to become world-leading exporters of several major crops in recent years, and the agricultural sector accounts for a significant portion of GDP.
To support and further grow this contribution, fertilizers are needed to maximise yields in a sustainable way. The region is forecast to see some of the fastest rates of fertilizer consumption in the coming years and this has attracted several international fertilizer companies to the region, investing in distribution and retail networks.
There is pressure for the fertilizer industry to become more sustainable due to global climate targets. How do you see this creating opportunities within the market?
Sustainability is the most important business opportunity that we have ahead of us, and leaders in our industry are harnessing technology to make it happen.
In fertilizer production, companies are already working hard on energy efficiency in their plants, carbon capture and reuse, and investing in green and blue ammonia and hydrogen. Beyond 2030, it is likely that regions with abundant solar or wind power energy could emerge as cost-efficient locations for green hydrogen production.
In fertilizer use, there are great opportunities to increase nutrient use efficiency, including through innovations in precision agriculture and the development of novel plant nutrition products and application methods, as well as carbon storage in soils.
How to pay for this? The 2015 Paris Climate Agreement created an impetus to finance a wide range of initiatives to limit global warming. Total issuance of sustainability-linked debt has surpassed $1 trillion and is rising.
Which solutions do you see helping the fertilizer industry meet climate targets and increase sustainability?
The adoption of best available technologies and use of renewable power to generate ammonia will help to decarbonise fertilizer production. In October last year, the International Energy Agency, together with EBRD and IFA, released the Ammonia Technology Roadmap – a guide to how nitrogen fertilizer producers can reduce up to 90 percent of carbon dioxide emissions from ammonia production between now and 2050.
Nutrient capture and recycling innovations, meanwhile, can make fertilizer production more circular and help ensure that more nutrients are returned to the field.
The more efficient and effective use of plant nutrients can be achieved through specialty slow and controlled-release fertilizers, digital precision agriculture tools and biological solutions such as biostimulants. These can all help farmers and the fertilizer industry to become more sustainable.
Green financing, an enabling policy for environmental partnerships with governments and players across the agricultural value chain, are needed to support and accelerate all of the above.
How do you see global policies helping to set the direction for Latin American fertilizer markets in the energy transition?
Some governments have implemented carbon pricing and are subsidising innovation aimed at supporting the sector’s transition, while producers have established emission reduction targets and are pursuing research and development initiatives around the world.
Latin American-based producers have the know-how and resolve to develop their own transition strategies, including how to implement low emission technologies. But any successful transition will have to involve close co-operation and partnerships between the private and public sector, and adequate financing.
What do you hope to gain from attending FLA 2022 in Miami? Why do you think this event is important for the industry?
I am here to listen, learn and see how we can develop relationships that support what drives us – helping to feed the world sustainably.
We are keen to grow our membership in Latin America and can offer companies in the region the leading source of fertilizer and raw materials statistics in the world with IFASTAT, as well as access to our networks and expertise on sustainability, in public affairs and in the latest plant nutrition science through IFA events and initiatives for the sharing of information and best practices.
Just as importantly, Latin American companies have a lot of knowledge to give to others and I look forward to learning more about the latest developments and connecting with companies in the region.
Corrine Ricard, president, Mosaic Fertilizantes
What current and emerging trends do you see giving fertilizer markets an upside in 2022?
Currently trade-related impacts such as sanctions, countervailing duties and export limitations are interrupting supply chains and causing concerns in the Brazilian markets today. Additionally, I believe that environmental, social and governance pressures will continue to be a rising trend in our discussions of agriculture in Brazil.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities currently facing the Brazilian fertilizer market?
Rapid expansion of demand for crop inputs in Brazil has exceeded the infrastructure capability for importing in an efficient manner. We will see further investments in ports, rail lines, transshipment facilities and other infrastructure to improve consistency and reliability of supply of fertilizers.
How will the drive for more sustainability and reducing environmental impacts affect the market and global food value chains?
We believe there will be an increased focus on soil health and sustainable agricultural practices, and this aligns with our industry’s 4R stewardship programmes. Balanced crop nutrition, practices which respect environmentally sensitive areas, commitment to improving degraded pasture lands and a focus on rebuilding the long-term health of our soils – all while ensuring we produce adequate food, fuel and fibre for the world’s needs.
What market innovations will have the biggest impact on the fertilizer market over the next few years?
Digital solutions for improved agricultural practices, improved trade and supply chain transparency and efficiency.
What do you hope to gain from attending FLA in Miami? Why do you think this event is important for the industry?
A personal connection with customers and suppliers is so important, and something we have all missed these last couple of years. I look forward to meeting in person and listening to the views of others.
Ana Dutton, head of technical services & application, Omya International
What do you think is the biggest area of growth in the added-value fertilizer market?
The biggest area for growth will come from a combination of increased precision farming practices and providing more precise, easier to use value-added products. The greater a farmer’s ability to recognise the needs for these products, then the easier they are to work with and the greater the growth opportunity.
What current and emerging trends do you see giving the specialty market an upside in 2022?
Fertilizer pricing will be a main driver of specialty market growth in 2022. Products that help farmers fully realise their basic NPK investment, whether that revolves around fertilizer use efficiency or complementary nutrients to ensure yields are maximised.
How will the drive for more sustainability and creating less impacts on the environment affect the market?
We have to keep in mind that the world population is growing, and the amount of land used for agriculture is declining. More efficient productivity, where fertilizers are used when and where they are required, will be imperative if we are to meet the demands of food production. Over-fertilization and the creation of acid soils will need to be minimised or corrected to enable more efficient crop production, and be environmentally compliant with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
What do you hope to gain from attending FLA in Miami?
It will be my first time at FLA and for me will be a great opportunity to understand how our Omya advanced soil amendment technology products fit within growers’ needs for improving fertilizer efficiency and plant nutrition in order to contribute to the demand for food production.
Why do you think this event is important for the industry?
For me, and I think other participants, it will be the first opportunity to meet at a conference in person after almost two years due to Covid-19. The exchange of information and ideas is vital for the agricultural segment. It is an excellent opportunity to meet people from the fertilizer industry, learn from new research and connect with costumers. It is also an opportunity to understand what can be improved in our products, or ideas for new products.
Visit the website to download the e-book featuring the rest of the pre-conference interviews with other key industry speakers. For more information visit: www.argusmedia.com/fla
