There are good reasons why New Zealand is unwilling to let go of phosphate imports from Western Sahara. New Zealand farmers should put pressure on fertiliser co-operatives to act ethically and refuse to take any more phosphate from the disputed territory of Western Sahara, a North Otago farmer says. Dairy farmer Neil Hamilton said Ravensdown and Ballance Agri-nutrients, who each import about $30 million worth of phosphate a year, had a moral duty to stop the trade. READ MORE:* Pressure mounts on fertiliser co-ops after US company stops Western Sahara phosphate imports* The ethical element to fertiliser - push for NZ co-ops to stop buying phosphate from Morocco* Moroccan fertiliser agency gives up court case to win back NZ phosphate cargoSUPPLIED North Otago dairy farmer Neil Hamilton says New Zealand farmers need to take a stand against phosphate imports from Western Sahara. JDDODANE/FLICKR The 100-kilometre conveyer belt taking phospate-rich rock across Western Sahara for export for countries such as New Zealand.

Source: Stuff May 23, 2019 18:33 UTC