Under the new rules, EU countries may, if they wish, permit the use of Renure above the current existing limit that applies to animal manure. That limit is laid down in the European Nitrates Directive and will soon be revised.
Brussels can now tackle the follow-up. It plans to present a revision of the Water Framework Directive and the Nitrates Directive (the Habitats and Birds Directives) before the summer. On February 18, a dialogue will take place with stakeholders, chaired by European Commissioners Hansen (Agriculture) and Roswall (Environment). An action plan for artificial fertilizers is also expected in the first half of the year.
The use of purified animal manure is intended as an alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers. By recovering nutrients from manure, farmers can make greater use of products that are already available within their own farm or region.
The European Commission ties the new possibilities to conditions for the protection of water and the environment. The rules remain aimed at preventing pollution by nitrates from agricultural sources. Its use is also not permitted in the most polluted areas.
Particularly in Germany and Ireland, there will be some tension regarding the precise wording of the new rules, because Ireland is advancing with a new derogation ahead of the relaxation announced by Environment Commissioner Roswall. This will be balanced by the Irish conducting more and better 'on-site' measurements and avoiding vulnerable catchment areas of some rivers.
In Germany there is again an impasse between federal authorities in Berlin (who have made environmental agreements and an agricultural pact with Brussels) and several federal states that refuse to impose additional restrictions in vulnerable areas. Brussels can now reactivate an 'old' multi-million euro fine.
An important goal of the Renure measure is to reduce dependence on imported pesticides, especially from Russia. According to the Commission, this can contribute to a more resilient European agriculture.
The Commission also expects that the new rules can bring financial benefits to farmers. Reduced dependence on imported products may limit fertilization costs.
The article European Commission approves and paves the way for Renure manure originally appeared on IEDE NEWS.