West Europe

Five countries, France (27%), Germany (18%), Spain (13%), U.K. (12%) and Italy (10%) currently account for four fifths of fertilizer consumption in West Europe.

Nitrogen and potash consumption in West Europe started to fall in 1985, phosphate in 1980. There was a strong fall in 1992/93 and then consumption stabilized until 1996/97 when it resumed a gradual decline. In 2000/01, fertilizer consumption fell by 10% due mostly to adverse weather conditions, higher fertilizer prices and increasing environmental pressures.

Falling farm prices, food safety and animal health crises and increased grain imports from Central and Eastern Europe are adversely affecting the West European agricultural sector, despite a high level of subsidization. The EEC Nitrate Directive is being implemented progressively. Nutrient budgeting is obligatory in some countries. In Denmark, in addition to the mandatory nutrient plan, there are quotas on nitrogen use - at sub-optimal levels. There is considerable pressure to reform the Common Agricultural Policy and to reduce its cost.