CO2 shortage in UK ends with a sizzle

The impending shortage of CO2 in the United Kingdom seems to have been solved. According to insiders, the British government has signed a deal with the American fertilizer manufacturer CF Industries.

Due to the high gas prices, various fertilizer manufacturers in the UK decided to scale down production, with the result that significantly less CO2 is released as a by-product. However, CO2 is crucial in the food chain for, among other things, the stunning of animals during the slaughter process and the production of beer and soft drinks.

Initially, British slaughterhouses were expected to come to a standstill at the end of this week due to a lack of CO2, with possible empty shelves as a result. The British were also very concerned about whether enough turkeys could be slaughtered in the run-up to Christmas.

Problems not gone yet
Due to the deal with CF Industries, CO2 will probably remain sufficiently available and food production will therefore not be endangered. The Christmas dinner has been secured, says Environment Secretary George Eustice. At the same time, the problems have not gone away. CO2 is also scarce in Europe, but there are no shortages yet.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is Head of Meat & Dairy at BoerenbusinessAt DCA Market Intelligence, he focuses on dairy, pork, and meat markets. He also monitors (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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