1900–1919
The history of Yara dates back to the establishment of Norsk hydroelektiske kvelstoffaktieselskab, or Norsk Hydro, as it later became known, in December 1905 after nitrogen fertilizer was successfully produced at Notodden.[9] Norsk Hydro was founded by Sam Eyde, Kristian Birkeland, and Marcus Wallenberg Sr..[10][11] In 1903, Birkeland and Eyde had developed direct nitrogen fixation, called the Birkeland–Eyde process,[12] based on a method used by Henry Cavendish in 1784.[13]
The company used Norway's large hydroelectric-energy resources to produce its first product.[14] Between 1906 and 1919 Norsk Hydro built two hydroelectric power plants in Notodden and Rjukan.[15] The company sent its first shipment to China in 1913.
1960–1977
Following the successful production of mineral fertilizer, the company expanded into other businesses such as oil and metals. In 1969, Norsk Hydro entered into its first joint venture, with authorities in Qatar. With access to a competitive source of gas and a strategic location in the Middle East, the joint venture opened up a global market for the company.
Norsk Hydro was led by Johan Berthin Holte as CEO from 1967 until 1977.[16] By the 1970s, the company was established in Asia, the Middle East and North America. The late 1970s to the mid-1980s was a period of rapid growth, through the acquisition of major fertilizer companies in France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. At the end of the 1990s, the company was also established in Brazil (through the acquisition of Adubos Trevo) and South Africa.
2004–2008
In 2004, Hydro Agri de-merged from Norsk Hydro and became an independent company called Yara International ASA. The company was listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange on 25 March 2004 and is a leading producer of ammonia, nitrates, nitrogen products, and NPK specialty fertilizers.[17] Since then, Yara has continued to expand its global presence through investments in other countries, with many acquisitions, joint ventures, and new projects, primarily in Africa and North and South America.
In July 2006 Yara paid $126 million for a controlling share in Fertibras. This acquisition gave Yara more than 99% of the voting stock in Fertibras[18] and 15% of Fosfertil, the largest producer in Brazil of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers.[18]
2008–2014
In 2008, Thorleif Enger retired, and became CEO. On his appointment, Haslestad stated: "Yara must continue its growth strategy. The company has many exciting opportunities to pursue, for instance when it comes to the environment, where we contribute to better balance in agricultural development and deliver some interesting industrial solutions to environmental problems."[19] Haslestad held the office until 2014, when the company fired him, saying they needed someone who could complete the upcoming merger negotiations and that Haslestad had been on the point of retiring.[8] Svein Richard Brandtzaeg ten days earlier had decided not to leave Hydro to take over the helm of Yara,[20] after contract negotiations were leaked and charges were laid against Enger, the prior CEO.[21]
In January 2010, Yara reached an agreement with Vale to sell its Brazilian shares of Fosfertil for $785 million US.[22] Also in 2010,
2015 to present
In Zambia, Yara acquired Greenbelt Fertilizers, a company with a strong footprint in Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi. In September 2015, Svein Tore Holsether joined Yara as the company's new president and CEO. In 2015, the last Yara Prize was awarded before it was turned into the Africa Food Prize. The prize was launched in 2005. From 2016 and onwards, the Yara Prize has been turned into the Africa Food Prize, in collaboration with Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).[39]
In February 2016 the two urea and two ammonia plants Yara has in Brega were operating at less than 50% of their capacity.[40]
In 2017, Yara ordered the MV Yara Birkeland, which will be the world's first autonomous ship. Entering service in 2018, it will be fully autonomous by 2020.[41]
In connection with the protests in Belarus in 2020, the opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called Yara International to stop working with Belarusian
