By: Suhaib Shams
The European Commission has launched a public consultation to gather views on a proposed amendment aimed at helping farmers cut costs and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. The proposed amendment to the Nitrates Directive aims to grant Member States greater flexibility to allow farmers to use specific liquid residues derived from animal manure.
Supporting Energy Security and the Green Transition
This proposal is part of the EU's Fertilizer Action Plan and Livestock Strategy, aiming to facilitate the use of certain liquid residues as an alternative to chemical fertilizers while ensuring environmental risk management. This initiative is supported by a new report from the Commission's Joint Research Centre, which assesses the potential for the safe use of agricultural waste as fertilizing materials.
Addressing Geopolitical Challenges and Fertilizer Prices
This move coincides with ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global fertilizer markets, which affect farmers' affordability and access. By utilizing the nutrients present in animal manure, the proposal can reduce reliance on imported energy-intensive synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, lower input costs for farmers, and create synergies with biogas and biomethane in energy security.
Next Steps for the Regulatory Proposal
The draft is now subject to a one-month public feedback period, after which it requires qualified majority approval from Member States in the Nitrates Committee. If supported, the proposal will enter a three-month scrutiny period for the European Parliament and the Council, after which the Commission will formally adopt the amendment. It is noteworthy that the European Fertilizer Action Plan was adopted in May 2026, while the Livestock Strategy was adopted in July 2026.
