The European Commission has proposed a new Regulation that make access of organic and waste based fertilisers to the EU single market easier, putting them on a level playing field with traditional, non-organic fertilisers.
The European Commission has proposed a new Regulation that make access of organic and waste based fertilisers to the EU single market easier, putting them on a level playing field with traditional, non-organic fertilisers.
The Commission explained that the reuse of raw materials that are now disposed as waste is one of the key principles of the Circular Economy Package adopted in December 2015.
Very few of the abundant bio-waste resources are transformed into valuable fertilising products,” explained Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness.
“Our farmers are using fertilisers manufactured from imported resources or from energy-intensive processes although our industry could valorise these bio-wastes in recycled nutrients,” he continued. “This Regulation will help us turn problems into opportunities for farmers and businesses.”
According to the Regulation will create new market opportunities for innovative companies while at the same time reducing waste, energy consumption and environmental damage.
The Regulation sets out common rules on converting biowaste into raw materials that can be used to manufacture fertilising products. It also defines safety, quality and labelling requirements that all fertilising products need to comply with to be traded freely across the EU.