Nutrien boss Kelly Freeman: Big growth in sustainability economics

Australia boss Kelly Freeman reveals plans to help farmers profit from sustainability, and explains why Canada keeps investing in Aussie ag.

More flexible finance, less volatile input prices and more opportunities to capitalise on sustainability outcomes.

That’s what growers can expect from Australia’s leading farm services business in the next five years, says Nutrien Ag Solutions’ new boss.

Nutrien Ag Solutions Australia managing director Kelly Freeman. Picture: Supplied

Kelly Freeman took the helm in October as managing director of the company’s Australian business, after leading Nutrien’s Canadian operation and its global strategy.

“What we’re really focusing on in 2023 is we have been investing in our supply chain and business here in Australia and we will continue to do that,” said Mr Freeman, who grew up on a fourth-generation Saskatchewan cropping farm in Canada’s grain-growing heartland.

“We have $100 million in capital that we will invest in our business here next year alone.”

The investment would sustain Nutrien’s footprint, expand manufacturing, develop its digital farming tools and advance its sustainability offering, Mr Freeman said.

“Sustainability is really something we are focused on,” he said. “At the core of what we’re trying to do is creating and connecting growers with opportunities to get paid for the great sustainable outcomes they are delivering.”

With 20 pilot projects in progress, Nutrien plans to help growers measure, quantify and profit from sustainability achievements.

Meanwhile, the business is working to deliver more supply-chain and price stability across its core services including finance, inputs and fertilisers.

“We have seen (input price) volatility around the globe,” Mr Freeman said. “But we have actually seen a softening on the cost of some inputs.

“Our system and business here is very capable of managing through this type of volatility. We can and will be trusted to make sure our customers have what they need, when they need it and at a competitive price.”

Canadian players, including Nutrien, have invested significantly in Australian agriculture in recent years, with Mr Freeman predicting capital would continue to flow.

“The world is looking for stable and growth-encouraging regions for food security,” he said. “That is what attracted (Canadian) investment to Australia and what will continue to attract investment.”

He said Australia’s export growth targets, arable land, diversity of potential crops, expansion-focused growers and supportive investment climate would continue to drive Canadian investment.