Vaten stressed that France imports nitrogen fertilizers because its own production can provide only a third of the required volumes.
However, a few months ago, fertilizer prices rose sharply on the back of higher gas prices and are now at record highs.
According to the deputy, this happened because of the situation in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed by the European Union against Russia.
“European manufacturers of nitrogen solutions are dependent on this gas and therefore have reduced their production,” the politician added.
He noted that French farmers fear a shortage of nitrogen fertilizers in the spring of 2023.
The consequences of the shortage will be serious for agriculture and can lead to changes in sowing, a reduction in production, and a decrease in the quality of plants.
In this regard, Waten proposed to temporarily suspend or eliminate taxes on imports of substances from Trinidad and Tobago, as well as from the United States, in order to "compensate for dependence on Russian fertilizers."
In addition, the deputy asked what measures the French government would take to control prices for fertilizers and increase their production within the country.
Earlier, American farmers spoke about the shortage of fertilizers and a significant rise in fuel prices after the introduction of restrictions on Russia.
According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, fertilizers are a scarce commodity that will continue to be bought from Russia.