Call for strategy to support sustainable production and use of fertilizers

(Posted on 12/09/24)

The Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture has delivered its final report to the European Commission President von der Leyen.

Fertilizers Europe President Leo Alders, who played an active role in this seven-month long process, welcomed the consensus on recognising agriculture and food as strategic sectors for Europe. Fertilizers Europe applauds the call of signatories to develop a comprehensive strategic framework to support the sustainable production and use of fertilizers. Fertilizers Europe has been among the 27 members of the Strategic Dialogue that actively contributed to the development of the final report. “I would like to thank President von der Leyen for initiating the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture. It provided a sound platform for relevant stakeholders to align on how to address the challenges faced by EU farmers and the EU’s agricultural sector at large. I am very pleased that all stakeholders participating in the Dialogue unequivocally recognised agriculture and food as strategic sectors for Europe” said Leo Alders, “Many challenges are ahead of us. To reach a fair, competitive and sustainable agricultural value chain, all involved must cooperate. We trust that the European Commission will use the recommendations issued by signatories to develop concrete policies”.

President Alders underlined “It is paramount that all signatories called for development of a comprehensive strategic framework to support the sustainable production and use of fertilizers. There are three main areas where our industry seeks support from the policymakers. Firstly, we urgently need support for the investment in low-carbon fertilizer production in Europe. Secondly, we need to create a market for low-carbon nutrients. Finally, we need to incentivise the farmers to implement sustainable practices that will allow them to combine high yield with low nutrient losses”. “We stand ready to support farmers in implementing sustainable nutrient management practices. We thus welcome the call to develop a fully-fledged strategy that looks at fertilization from a holistic point of view, promoting complementarity between mineral and organic nutrients, ensuring improved nutrient use efficiency and circularity and incentivising use of digital tools,” said Alders. Leo Alders concluded “Fertilizers Europe and its members are energised and look forward to continued engagement with relevant stakeholders to jointly shape the EU’s Vision for Agriculture and Food”.