Dutch MEP Sander Smit (ECR) has called on the European Commission to urgently review the Nitrates Directive and suspend the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) for the fertiliser sector, warning that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up fertiliser prices and threatens EU food security and farm competitiveness.
In a priority parliamentary question submitted on 8 April 2026, Smit argues that even if the geopolitical situation de-escalates, fertiliser prices will remain structurally high due to higher energy costs, import duties, the phasing out of free ETS allowances, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). He links this to rising food prices and a weakened competitive position for EU farms.
revision of Nitrates Directive and suspension of ETS
The MEP's question contains two specific demands. First, he asks the Commission to undertake an urgent review of the Nitrates Directive, particularly the limit of 170 kg of nitrogen per hectare per year from livestock manure in nitrate-vulnerable zones. Smit claims this forces farms to purchase expensive mineral fertiliser while also paying to dispose of manure, exacerbating the shortage. Second, he calls for suspending the ETS for the fertiliser sector, or at least halting the phase-out of free emission allowances, citing the knock-on effect on farm production costs and food prices.
deregulation and cost relief for farmers
loosening environmental regulations to reduce input costs for farmers. Smit frames the Nitrates Directive as outdated and the ETS phase-out as insufficiently assessed for its impact on food security during crises. He also questions whether the Commission's impact assessment adequately considered the combined effect of ETS phase-out and CBAM on farm costs and food security.
Expected follow-up The Commission is required to respond within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it is open to revisiting the Nitrates Directive or adjusting ETS rules for the fertiliser sector—a move that would face opposition from environmental groups but could gain support from agricultural stakeholders and some member states concerned about food affordability.
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