• Our products have always strictly adhered to regulations regarding heavy metals and fall comfortably within the range that scientific studies show does not increase cadmium levels in the soil.
• As a result of recent production developments, we have found an efficient method of further reducing cadmium levels in our products.
• We are a farmer centric company and recognise that there is stakeholder interest in reducing cadmium levels still further, beyond the regulatory levels and levels scientifically proven to be safe.
• There is the possibility in the future that in some jurisdictions the regulatory threshold of cadmium in fertilisers is lowered beyond that supported by the science.
• As the custodian of 70% of the world’s phosphate, OCP has a responsibility to ensure reliable access to its phosphate products. It has chosen to invest in the technology to reduce the cadmium levels of our products beyond that currently required in markets with the lowest cadmium level requirements.
• This means, going forward, all our products will contain less than 20mg of cadmium per kilogram, far below the stringent cadmium content threshold regulations in major agricultural markets.
• This is an example of OCP’s continued efforts to provide reliable and competitive access to its phosphate products – a critical lever in closing agricultural yield gaps and contributing to global food security.

On the science behind us

• Studies have shown that the presence of cadmium in soils is primarily the result of natural and anthropogenic sources – including industrial activity and urbanisation – and not fertilizer application.
• OCP has always met the regulatory thresholds for cadmium levels in its products and this step enables us to far exceed those levels [and so maintain a very competitive position versus peers].
• In addition to regulating inputs, we strongly support the implementation of farming practices that can significantly reduce the absorption and accumulation of trace metal elements – including cadmium – in the soil. These include:
  • Good agricultural practices, including conservation agriculture techniques such as soil cover, reduced tillage, and the use of organic amendments.
  • Applying fertilizers according to the principles of the 4Rs helps maintain optimal soil nutrient levels, preventing both over-saturation and deficiencies.
  • Avoiding excess nitrogen in the soil, as overapplication of nitrogen impacts the pH of soils and increases its solubility to trace elements such as cadmium.
  • Planting crops which have a low capacity to absorb these elements, such as legumes.
  • Ensure that only uncontaminated and/or treated water is used for irrigation.

• OCP has always strictly adhered to the regulations of the markets it sells into and will continue to support a farmer-centric approach towards business and regulation.
• As one of the world’s leading suppliers of phosphate fertilizer, the OCP Group has invested in the technology needed to significantly reduce the cadmium levels of our products beyond the minimum required by regulation.
• By taking this step, we can ensure that we can reliably provide our products to our customers in all the markets where we operate.

• As the custodian of 70% of the world’s phosphate, we are committed to ensuring that farmers worldwide can access affordable and sustainable customised fertilizers which meet their needs.
• We have made investments needed to significantly reduce the cadmium levels of our products beyond the minimum required by regulation.
• [We do not envision any supply chain impacts as a result of this additional step.]

• As the custodian of 70% of the world’s phosphate, we are committed to ensuring that farmers worldwide can access affordable and sustainable customised fertilizers which meet their needs.
• We can confirm that the process to reduce cadmium will not generate an additional cost for customers.

• Going forward all our products will contain less than 20mg of cadmium per kilogram, far below the stringent cadmium content threshold regulations in major agricultural markets.

• TBC] [OCP has always strictly adhered to the regulations of the markets it sells into – our levels have always been below.]
• Given the breadth of OCP Group’s global operations, we have met all the regulations in the markets we operate in, which includes the lowest global threshold in the EU.