One Nation has renewed its call for Australia to become self-reliant in fertiliser production, arguing that the country should make greater use of its abundant domestic gas resources to support local manufacturing, strengthen agricultural supply chains and reduce dependence on imported products.

In a policy statement shared this week, the party said Australia’s long-term food security depends on producing more of the essential inputs required by farmers rather than relying on overseas suppliers.

“One Nation believes self-reliance starts with producing more of what we need here at home,” the statement said.

The party argued that Australia’s natural gas reserves should play a central role in supporting a stronger domestic fertiliser industry.

“Australia should use its own gas resources to support domestic fertiliser manufacturing, strengthen local supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign imports.”

According to One Nation, increasing domestic production would improve supply resilience during periods of international disruption while providing greater certainty for Australian farmers.

“A more self-reliant Australia means stronger farmers, stronger food production and greater protection from overseas shocks.”

The party also linked fertiliser manufacturing directly to household cost-of-living pressures.

“If we want food security and cheaper groceries, we must first achieve fertiliser self-reliance.”

One Nation further argued that Australia’s pathway towards greater manufacturing capacity requires changes to national climate policy.

“Australia will achieve true fertiliser self-reliance when we end net-zero policies that are undermining production in this country.”

The statement reflects the party’s long-standing position that Australia’s energy policy should prioritise the development of domestic gas resources to support manufacturing, mining and agriculture while reducing reliance on imported industrial products.

Fertiliser production is highly energy intensive, with natural gas serving both as a fuel source and as a key feedstock in the manufacture of ammonia, one of the principal ingredients used to produce nitrogen fertilisers. As a result, gas prices can have a significant influence on domestic fertiliser production costs.

Australia possesses substantial natural gas reserves and is one of the world’s largest exporters of liquefied natural gas. However, manufacturers have frequently argued that domestic gas prices remain relatively high despite the country’s resource base, making it difficult for local industries to compete internationally.

The issue has become increasingly important following several years of global supply disruptions, including those triggered by the war in Ukraine, which contributed to sharp increases in fertiliser prices worldwide and placed additional financial pressure on farmers. Those events renewed debate in many countries about the importance of securing domestic production of critical agricultural inputs.

Supporters of greater domestic manufacturing argue that expanding Australia’s fertiliser industry could strengthen supply chain resilience, create regional jobs and reduce exposure to international market volatility.

Critics, however, contend that long-term investment decisions should also consider Australia’s emissions reduction commitments and the transition toward lower-carbon industrial processes. Successive federal governments have maintained that emissions reduction and industrial development can proceed together through a mix of cleaner technologies, improved efficiency and targeted investment.

The Albanese Government has continued to support Australia’s legislated target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while encouraging investment in both renewable energy and industrial decarbonisation. The government argues that reducing emissions is necessary to maintain Australia’s international competitiveness as major trading partners introduce stricter climate policies.

One Nation rejects that approach, maintaining that current net-zero policies increase production costs for domestic industry and undermine Australia’s ability to manufacture essential products competitively.

The fertiliser proposal forms part of the party’s broader emphasis on economic self-reliance, domestic manufacturing and greater utilisation of Australian natural resources. Similar themes have featured prominently in One Nation’s positions on energy security, mining, regional development and national industry.

The debate also reflects broader international trends. Following recent global supply chain disruptions, numerous countries have announced initiatives aimed at expanding domestic production of strategically important products—including fertiliser—to reduce dependence on overseas suppliers and improve food security.

For Australian agriculture, fertiliser remains one of the most significant production costs across grain, horticulture and livestock industries. Any sustained changes in manufacturing capacity, energy prices or government policy have the potential to affect farm profitability, food production and ultimately grocery prices paid by consumers.

Whether Australia pursues expanded domestic fertiliser manufacturing through greater gas development, emerging low-emissions technologies or a combination of both is likely to remain part of the broader national debate over energy, industry and food security in the years ahead.