During the last meeting of the Nitrate Expert Group, the Commission and the experts exchanged views on the INMAP initiative. While some of the Member States gave their contribution to the public consultation running from May until August, others have replied to a questionnaire sent by the Commission, expressing their perspective on the most pressing issues related to nutrient flow, management and recycling.
At the meeting, the Commission presented the responses of Member States and relevant authorities to the questionnaire, which will be considered in the preparation of the Action Plan. First, Member States found that additional research, better data and exchange of experiences at the EU level are needed to improve the knowledge of nutrient streams, as well as fine tuning methodologies to estimate surplus of nitrogen and phosphorus. Moreover, the idea of differentiating nitrogen in organic matter from nitrogen lost to the environment has been put forward. To foster good management of nutrients, the promotion of appropriate farming practices and new technologies was highlighted.
Also, in Member State views, the implementation of an integrated and risk-based approach which takes into account biodiversity, water quality and GHG emissions, is essential to tackle nutrient pollution in agriculture, with some expressing further preference for regional/cross-border action. When asked about nutrient recycling, MS called for subsidy/incentives for the use of recycled fertilizers, considering as well recycling these elements from sewage sludge while taking into account risks and harmful substances. The necessity of implementing policy instruments to create a competitive and profitable market for companies was raised, but countries also underlined the importance of removing legal barriers to recycled products, including barriers that differentiate between the use of fertilizers from different sources (i.e livestock manure and other sources, like bio-waste).
Finally, remarks were made on policies gaps and incoherencies, with Member States pointing out the outdated status of the Nitrate Directive and the possibility to revise it or replace it with a new piece of legislation which would better ensure a uniform approach to the current challenges.