In 2023, a total of 8.8 million tons of mineral fertilizers were used, including 4.7 million tons of nitrogen, 1.1 million tons of phosphorus, and 3 million tons of potassium.
The use of mineral fertilizers in the EU has been declining for years, while hardly any new chemical pesticides have been approved. Agriculture and horticulture are calling for faster approval of new products.
More than two years ago, the (previous) European Commission, as part of the new food policy “from farm to fork,” proposed a phased halving of the use of artificial fertilizers in agriculture and horticulture. However, that so-called SUR proposal ultimately failed due to significant division within the European Parliament.
The steady decline in fertilizer use is visible in almost all EU countries. Italy, France, Germany, and Spain are among the largest users, but even there a decrease is noticeable. Only in a few smaller countries has usage slightly increased.
At the same time, farmers’ organizations warn of a deadlock in the area of crop protection. Copa-Cogeca and other umbrella groups report that the number of approved active substances in pesticides has drastically decreased in recent years. Since 2001, the number of available substances has dropped from 900 to 422.
For the sixth year in a row, in 2023 no new chemical active substances were approved for agricultural use. The agricultural sector speaks of stagnation in the approval policy. They point out that there are no adequate alternatives for the products that have been banned or phased out.
The umbrella organizations express concern about European bureaucracy. The approval process for new products proceeds slowly. There is reportedly insufficient budget and staff available for a smooth handling of the approval procedures.
Several EU countries urge Brussels that no products may be banned anymore without a new product being approved by the regulatory authorities in return. According to multiple sources, the loss of 85 active substances since 2019 is particularly worrying, as no new conventional alternatives have been introduced in their place.
Agriculture and horticulture warn that without sufficient protective products, food security is at risk. Fruit and vegetable cultivation is already feeling the effects. According to them, the survival of certain crops is at stake if rapid action is not taken.