EU member states have endorsed a European Commission plan to let farmers use more recovered nitrogen from manure, known as RENURE, beyond the current limits of the Nitrates Directive.

RENURE is processed animal manure that can be applied to land as a fertiliser. The Commission said the change would help farmers replace chemical fertilisers with a product made from farm waste, cutting costs and boosting the EU’s agricultural independence while safeguarding water quality.

Member state delegates on the Commission’s Nitrates Committee, which advises on the directive’s implementation, backed the proposal this week. With that approval, the plan now goes to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for a three-month scrutiny period. If neither raises objections, the Commission can formally amend the directive.

The measure would only apply in countries that choose to authorise RENURE use above current limits.

European Commissioner for the Environment Jessika Roswall said: “The use of RENURE fertiliser can support efficient nutrient management and make our agriculture more resilient, while remaining safe for the environment.

“Our proposal gives flexibility for those member states that wish to use RENURE fertilisers, while ensuring that pollution hotspots can be tackled. This is a concrete step towards empowering farmers while protecting our shared natural resources.”

The Commission stressed that allowing RENURE beyond the existing nitrates limits will be 'done in a safe way to ensure the continued protection of waters and the environment'.

Source - https://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk