South Korea's manure management transformation through Dutch innovation

South Korea has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, recognizing the critical role that the livestock industry plays in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane from enteric fermentation and manure management. To meet this 2050 goal, the South Korean government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Ministry of Environment (ME), has introduced a range of policies aimed at reducing emissions while ensuring the sustainability of agricultural practices.

In recent years, public awareness of climate change in South Korea has grown significantly. This shift, driven by rising income levels and increasing global environmental concerns, has led to stronger public support for carbon neutrality policies. However, the implementation of these policies still faces challenges, including resistance from industry and society due to economic concerns, industry pushback, and regional disparities in fossil-fuel dependent regions (for instance, the southeast industrial zones in the Gyeongnam province or the western coastal area where many power plants are located) that resist carbon neutrality policies.

Environmental policies aimed at mitigating the impact of manure

To mitigate the environmental impact of manure, South Korea has developed a comprehensive manure management policy aimed at reducing pollution, improving waste utilization, and promoting eco-friendly farming practices. Several key initiatives have been introduced:

• An integrated manure management system: this system involves real-time monitoring of manure production, transportation, and recycling in regional public manure recycling centers.
• Manure-to-fertilizer programs: farmers are encouraged with subsidies to convert livestock manure into organic fertilizer or biochar. Also, facilities are provided for public manure recycling centers and for education.
• Biogas and bioenergy production: livestock manure is used in anaerobic digestion plants to produce biogas.
• Methane reduction technologies: the government is promoting low-emission manure treatment technologies, such as aerobic digestion.
• Water pollution prevention: the government has introduced measures to prevent contaminating water sources, such as strict laws on excretion, utilization and direct discharge. In addition, the government is expanding management and recycling centers. Also, subsidies for on-farm treatment systems are in place.

These policies form the backbone of South Korea's efforts to address the environmental impact of manure while aligning with the country's broader carbon neutrality goals.

Import and regulatory framework

In addition to domestic efforts, South Korea’s importation of manure-based fertilizers is regulated under the Fertilizer Control Act. Companies importing these fertilizers must report details about raw materials and certified ingredients to local authorities. While there are no quantitative restrictions on fertilizer imports, the regulatory framework ensures the quality and safety of manure-based products.

In 2022, South Korea imported approximately USD 27 million worth of manure spreaders and fertilizer distributors, ranking 43rd globally in this category. The Netherlands, a major exporter of organic fertilizers to South Korea, plays an important role in this market. In fact, in 2023, the Netherlands exported 3,927 tons of organic fertilizer (manure) to South Korea, valued at USD 1.1 million. This makes the Netherlands the second-largest exporter of organic fertilizer to South Korea, after Japan, accounting for 20.4% of total exports in this sector.

Manure export to South Korea

The fertilizers from the Netherlands are pelletized poultry manure or mushroom substrate composed of horse and poultry manure and is mostly used for high-value crops, such as fruit trees, vegetables (melons, garlic and onions) and the ginseng crop, which is very important for South Korea. Whereas most South Korean farmers use subsidized manure from Hanwoo livestock (the total herd size in South Korea of Hanwoo livestock is over 2 million cows), the pelletized poultry manure from the Netherlands is used by more specialized farmers, and it’s considered a high-value fertilizer for crop and soil.

South Korean cooperation with the Netherlands

A significant component of South Korea’s manure management strategy has been international cooperation, particularly with the Netherlands. The Dutch have long been leaders in sustainable agricultural practices, and their expertise has been invaluable to South Korea. The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) team at the Dutch Embassy in Seoul has facilitated collaboration by introducing Dutch manure policies and treatment technologies to South Korean stakeholders.

Several initiatives have resulted from this partnership:

• Introduction of Dutch manure policy: the LAN team in Seoul has presented Dutch manure management policies focused on nitrogen and phosphate regulation, such as an ammonia reduction program enabling nutrient recycling, circular agriculture, and advanced manure processing technologies. These presentations have sparked significant interest among Korean researchers and farmers, who have traditionally focused on the reduction of carbon emissions.
• Promotion of Dutch manure processing technologies: the Netherlands is home to a well-developed dry manure palletization industry, supported by advanced waste-to-fertilizer policies and export markets. South Korea, which still relies on direct manure application, is increasing efforts to adopt dry manure palletizations and waste-to-fertilizer practices and policies due to government support, rising fertilizer costs, and environmental regulations. The LAN team in Seoul plans to further promote Dutch manure processing companies at KISTOCK, the Korean livestock expo, to take place in September 2025.
• Biochar technology for carbon sequestration: Biochar, a form of carbon that is stable in soil for centuries, is playing an increasing role in South Korea’s sustainability efforts. The government is promoting biochar production through policy incentives as part of its 2050 carbon neutrality plan. These incentives include subsidies for biochar production facilities and for farmers using biochar, as well as carbon trading and offsetting as it is recognized as a carbon-neutral technology. It also includes the funding of biochar research and of demo projects. The LAN team in Seoul has been at the forefront of promoting biochar technology for over four years, working with Dutch companies such as Mavitec and Korean Hanwoo (native cattle) farmers associations to develop biochar business projects.

The role of biochar in South Korea’s sustainability goals

Biochar is gaining recognition in South Korea for its ability to sequester CO₂ and reduce methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from agriculture. In addition to its environmental benefits, biochar improves soil fertility, water retention, and drought resistance, making it an invaluable tool for enhancing agricultural productivity. The Korea Institute of Energy Research has even developed a method to convert ten tons of livestock manure into biochar on a daily base (pyrolysis), significantly reducing GHG emissions in the process.

South Korea is the first country in the world to establish a nationwide plan for transforming animal manure into biochar, aiming to create a commercial biochar market. The government collaborates with private companies to secure carbon credits through biochar production. Additionally, the financial sector actively supports biochar-related projects that generate carbon credits by converting agricultural residues, such as coffee grounds, into biochar.

Manure management pivotal for sustainability efforts

Manure management in South Korea plays a pivotal role in the country’s sustainability efforts. Through advanced manure treatment technologies and international collaborations, South Korea is working toward environmentally responsible agriculture. Dutch-South Korean partnerships have played a crucial role in introducing innovative solutions, such as biochar, contributing to the country’s circular economy.

With continued investments in technology, policy support, and knowledge exchange, South Korea is poised to make significant advancements in sustainable manure management. Next to cooperation in the field of technology, the Netherlands remains an important exporter of organic fertilizer.

More information

Would you like to know more about recent developments in South Korea’s manure management? You can go to the country page of South Korea at the website Agroberichtenbuitenland.nl of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN). You can also send an email to the LAN team at the Dutch Embassy in Seoul: seo-lvvn@minbuza.nl.