Fertilizer breakthrough in the EU? European Commission has adopted RENURE proposals

RENURE (REcovered Nitrogen from manURE) is a new type of fertilizer, a substitute for the amount of nitrogen recovered from processed natural fertilizers. The authorization of RENURE is expected to contribute to the strategic autonomy and competitiveness of the European Union and reduce dependence on the Russian Federation (about 1/3 of the EU’s total fertilizer imports come from that country).

As reported on its website, the European Commission in September this year welcomed the support of member states for its proposal for a draft directive on RENURE (i.e., a draft European Commission directive amending Council Directive 91/676/EEC with regard to the use of certain fertilizers derived from animal manure).

General background

2023. The European Commission has launched an evaluation process of Directive 91/676/EEC, the so-called Nitrates Directive, which aims, among other things, to check whether recycling of nutrients (nutrients), including processed natural fertilizers, is sufficiently promoted, as well as the development of technologies for processing natural fertilizers, including into so-called RENURE.

In 2024, the European Commission prepared a draft directive amending Council Directive 91/676/EEC with regard to the use of certain fertilizers derived from animal manure. This draft amends Annex III of the Nitrates Directive and provides for the possibility of applying RENURE at a rate higher than the 170 kg N/ha/year specified for natural fertilizers in the Nitrates Directive (but no more in addition than 80 kg N/ha/year).

The project was subject to consultations with all stakeholders from April 19, 2024 to May 17, 2024, as we reported in earlier issues of our newspaper.

Purpose of the RENURE Directive

The purpose of the draft directive on so-called RENURE is to take into account scientific and technical progress in the area of natural fertilizer processing. This would allow the marketing of fertilizer products based on processed natural fertilizers that can replace mineral fertilizers.

It fulfills the European Commission’s commitment to support the implementation of a circular economy, in line with the Vision for Agriculture and Food and the Clean Industry Agreement.

What are RENUREs?

Fertilizers included in RENURE are obtained by physical, chemical or biological processes that result in the processing of natural fertilizers while increasing the nitrogen content of the starting material. However, RENUREs can be produced by three specific processes identified in the draft directive.

The European Commission’sJoint Research Centre ( JRC) has assessed that under certain conditions, RENURE fertilizers have similar nitrogen leaching potential and agronomic efficiency as mineral fertilizers. These products reduce the risk of nitrate leaching into waterways compared to natural fertilizers, allowing them to be applied in excess of 170 kg N/ha/year from natural fertilizers, while ensuring that the objectives of the Nitrates Directive are met and that agriculture benefits.

As envisioned by RENURE, they will allow the replacement of mineral fertilizers, and will also be part of a closed-loop economy.

Use of RENURE

RENURE fertilizers are characterized by higher nitrogen utilization by plants and lower leaching and gas losses.

The use of RENURE will be subject to the requirements for the use of all fertilizers set forth in Annex III, point 1(3) of the Nitrates Directive.

The draft directive, made available by the EC, indicates that possible additional pressures on the environment resulting from the use of RENURE fertilizers, particularly after their autumn application to crops, should be taken into account, and appropriate measures should be established in action programs (in Poland in the so-called nitrate program) to protect waters from pollution by nitrates of agricultural origin. For example, since the application of RENURE may involve the risk of nitrogen emissions through volatilization from the soil, it is recommended that appropriate application techniques be followed.

Bearing in mind the precautionary principle set forth in Article 191(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the draft directive stipulates that Member States where RENURE will be applied should take special precautions in and around Natura 2000 areas and near drinking water points.

RENURE (currently produced in the Netherlands) can compete on price with mineral fertilizers. Poland currently lacks the infrastructure to process natural fertilizers into RENURE fertilizers. Implementation of such production will require investment in the technologies indicated in the draft directive.

The introduction of appropriate regulations, financial support for investment in infrastructure, and farmers’ interest in this type of fertilizer can contribute to the production and use of RENURE fertilizers in our country.

What’s next for the draft directive on RENURE

The draft RENURE directive is to be forwarded to the European Parliament and the Council for a three-month review period. If these bodies do not object, the Commission will be able to adopt the proposed amendment to Annex III of the Nitrates Directive.

Member countries that choose to apply RENURE will be required to monitor the number of animals and production of natural fertilizers to prevent an increase in emissions and environmental pressures, monitor the application of RENURE at the national and regional (NUTS 2) level, and should implement measures to prevent emissions.

The draft directive indicates that member states should notify the EC of their decision to authorize the use of RENURE fertilizer and include information on its use as part of the Nitrates Directive’s four-year implementation report cycle, including annual data on RENURE fertilizer production, livestock numbers and manure production.

Commissioner Jessica Roswall on RENURE

Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Closed Economy Jessika Roswall spoke on the draft RENURE directive, indicating: The use of RENURE fertilizers can promote effective nutrient management and increase the resilience of our agriculture, while being environmentally safe. Our proposal gives flexibility to those member states that want to use RENURE fertilizers while providing the ability to combat pollution outbreaks. This is a concrete step toward empowering our farmers while protecting our shared natural resources .