General Manager CSBP Fertilisers Darryl Dent said that he was concerned that the omission of CSBP’s position in recent coverage may have led some farmers to conclude that the company was not fulfilling its obligations on fixed price contracts.

Mr Dent said that nothing could be further from the truth and that CSBP was not the subject of legal advice being sought about fertiliser contracts by WA Farmers.

“As always, CSBP is honouring its fixed price contract commitments,” Mr Dent said.

Mr Dent said that CSBP offered customers the opportunity to choose either variable or fixed pricing for part or full fertiliser requirements for the coming season as part of its annual Fertiliser Supply Agreement with customers.

“For many customers, the option of fixed pricing provides certainty around fertiliser expenses for the season,” Mr Dent said.

“With global fertiliser prices on the rise, demand for fixed pricing for both part and full fertiliser requirements has increased this year.

“As demonstrated by our commitment to customers amid escalating global fertiliser prices in 2008, CSBP has and continues to honour its commitments under these agreements.”

Mr Dent said that many would recall that global fertiliser prices, and the cost of product being imported by CSBP, skyrocketed in the first half of 2008.

“CSBP honoured its contractual obligations and customers that fixed prices for their 2008 fertiliser requirements under the FSA in late 2007 were protected from escalating fertiliser costs,” Mr Dent said.

“Our customers across WA saved millions of dollars in fertiliser costs versus prevailing global prices as a result.”

CSBP Limited is a division of Wesfarmers Limited and is a major manufacturer and supplier of chemicals, fertilisers and related services to the mining, agricultural and industrial sectors.

Media contact: Samantha Torrens (08) 9411 8691 or 0438 935 753, or via email at Samantha.Torrens@csbp.com.au