Green fertiliser factory announced

A PLANT to develop sustainable fertilisers is set to be built near Lethbridge.

On Monday, Incitec Pivot Fertilisers announced it will invest $38 million in Australian Bio Fert to build the plant, and IPF CEO Jeanne Johns said the investment is designed to deliver sustainable farming practices for the future.

“This investment in regional Victoria is a great example of the environmentally friendly circular economy in action and part of a commitment to help our farming customers reduce environmental impacts while using our safe and effective products,” she said.

“We are delighted to partner with ABF and bring this innovative technology to the Australian agricultural sector.

“Together we are creating important regional jobs and helping boost the Australian manufacturing industry and Victorian economy.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of domestic supply chain security, and projects such us this help ensure Australian companies can continue to service our critical agricultural industry and support Australian farmers.”

According to IPF, the plant will be capable of producing 75,000 tonnes per year of granular biofertilisers which combine organic waste material, sourced mainly from the poultry industry, with carbon and fertiliser products.

The resulting sustainable fertiliser is said to improve soil health.

ABF chair Andrew Buchanan said the new deal is a reflection of what the company has been aiming for since it developed a pilot plant and research facility near Maddingley in 2018.

“This innovative Australian technology creates a new product category for farmers, which we can now commercialise and take to market through IPF’s established and respected professional services and distribution network across the east coast of Australia,” he said.

President of IPF Stephan Titze said the agriculture resource company is always looking at ways to provide “sustainable, effective and practical fertiliser solutions.”

“We understand farmers need products that fit into their existing operations, and these innovative products will streamline traditional practices of separate fertiliser and compost applications, allowing crop nutrition needs to be met in a single pass in 2023 and beyond,” he said.

Construction of the plant is expected to begin in the first half of 2022, with the plant to be operational by mid-2023.

According to IPF, the plant will deliver 25 full-time jobs and additional employment opportunities during the construction phase.

“As Australia’s largest domestic manufacturer of plant nutrition products, we are pleased to be able to demonstrate our support for regional manufacturing with this investment,” Mr Titze said.

“We are excited by the doors this product range will open and the importance of actively looking for opportunities to enhance resource recovery and the sustainability of Australia’s food production system.”