Since people started keeping livestock and growing crops, manure has been used in food production. Manure is an important source of nutrition for plants and a prerequisite for healthy soils. It is also a source of energy and contains valuable raw materials. Mineral fertilizer has partly taken over the use of manure but has the disadvantage of being produced with finite fossil resources. Nowadays, manure is once again valued because of the benefits that its organic substances and trace elements provide. Proper use of manure and manure products is a key focus for circular agriculture.
We aim to create closed cycles between nature and food. One way to achieve this is by using natural resources or innovative technologies, such as precision fertilization. Another method is to organize processes more efficiently: any surplus at one farm can be used by others in the area or region to fertilize pastures and fields. Due to the phasing out of a derogation regarding manure application on fields, Dutch farmers are limited to using up to 170 kilograms of nitrate per hectare for fertilization. This has led to a tense situation in the manure market, with farms facing a surplus and sometimes struggling to dispose of their manure.
Innovative Dutch approach to manure valorization
In September last year, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature informed the Dutch Parliament about the ‘approach to the manure market’, a strategy consisting of a mix of both short-term and long-term structural measures.
One of the measures to alleviate challenges in the manure market is to provide better insights and transparency regarding areas where the increased use of animal manure and nutrients is possible and how manure can be reused for food production elsewhere. A study commissioned by the ministry and conducted by the Nutrient Management Institute has provided these insights for Europe. The results will be presented during the Symposium on Manure Processing and Export on March 20. Furthermore, this symposium will provide information about promising regions with a demand for nutrients and fertilizers, along with the relevant regulations.
Global efforts for sustainable nutrient use
In addition to this symposium, the Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN), working at Dutch Embassies abroad, is sharing insights into the possibilities for using animal manure and nutrients in different countries and how this can contribute to greener, more circular agriculture. These insights are collected in this Agrospecial e-magazine, covering topics from France to Vietnam, from Romania to Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal, countries where there is room for manure valorization and a need for valuable nutrients.
Collaborating to close the nutrient cycle
To facilitate the global connection between nutrient supply and demand, the Netherlands Agricultural Network will organize a few missions with interested stakeholders to various countries.
I trust that this Agrospecial e-magazine will give you a better understanding of our international work on manure valorization and the potential for nutrient reuse in food production. I invite you to collaborate with us and the Netherlands Agricultural Network. Together, we can close the cycle.
Enjoy your reading!
Marten van den Berg
Director-general Agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature
Reading guide
- This magazine starts with different points of view from the Dutch public, private and not-for-profit domain.
- It also includes several articles about specific countries structured by continent (Europe, Africa and Asia)
- Through the drop-down menu at the top left, you will find all articles.
- Once you have opened and read an article, you can use the scroll bar on the right or left side of the screen or swipe up and down on your mobile device to navigate through the content.
