Incitec Pivot Fertilisers (IPF) has announced it has reached an agreement with Yara Australia to acquire the Yara Nipro liquid fertiliser business in Australia. The acquisition worth around $20 million is subject to ACCC clearance.
Jeanne Johns, Incitec Pivot Limited (IPL) managing director and CEO, said the Yara Nipro business is complementary to IPF’s broader business, and the acquisition of Yara Nipro operations in Moree and Whitton in New South Wales and Boundary Bend in Victoria will provide excellent liquid fertiliser options and enhanced security of supply for farmers across the east coast of Australia.
“We are excited to add both the products and the expertise of Yara Nipro to our IPF team, and remain committed to supporting manufacturing in regional areas,” Ms Johns said.
Yara first acquired an interest in Yara Nipro in 2008 before acquiring full ownership in 2011. Since then, Yara Nipro has developed into a leading liquid fertiliser business in the region.
However, in a statement on the impending sale, Yara’s executive vice president, Africa and Asia Fernanda Lopes Larsen, Yara has decided after a careful review the liquid fertiliser business no longer fits with Yara’s growth strategy in Australia.
He said Yara Australia will continue to develop and distribute a premium range of products in Australia for dry application, the fertigation segment and foliar micronutrients.
“This transaction does not affect the other parts of our business operations in Australia. The Pilbara plant will continue in its operations and focus on our upcoming project in renewable hydrogen, Mr Lopes Larsen said.
“Yara Australia will refocus on its core business development activities and transformation efforts to advance farming towards a more sustainable climate-positive food future.
Ms Johns said IPF will continue to invest in its Easy Liquids product range, which now includes the Nipro range, as farmers and agronomists increasingly look to capitalise on the significant productivity and sustainability benefits delivered by liquid fertilisers.
“These products provide farmers with a convenient option for storing fertilisers on farm without the risk of deterioration and reduce the need for manual handling. They also allow for custom and precision application of nutrients, leading to more cost effective and sustainable plant nutrition solutions.”
Combined with the ability to apply it in any season, wet or dry, she said liquid fertilisers present unrivalled flexibility for farmers when planning their input programs.
“Adapting to changing conditions is a way of life for Australian farmers, so the flexibility and options around when, how and in what combination liquid fertilisers can be used is a real drawcard for farmers and agronomists,” Ms Johns said.
