UK farmers union pushes to pause CBAM carbon charge on fertiliser imports

The Ulster Farmers' Union has asked the UK Chancellor to delay the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on imported fertiliser, set to start January 2027. The union warns the levy will raise costs for farmers who already face fertiliser prices 121.5% above 2020 levels, citing DEFRA data. It wants a full impact assessment before the charge applies, arguing food security should not be undermined by carbon policy. CBAM will put a carbon price on certain imports like fertiliser, with importers responsible for liabilities. The UFU says those costs will pass to farmers and ultimately raise domestic food production costs. They also call for the agricultural red diesel duty rebate to stay beyond December 2026. The Autumn Budget submission includes broader tax relief requests, but the fertiliser pause is the central ask.