EU wants to replace Russian fertilizers with ReNure — locally sourced animal waste alternative

European Union is considering a significant policy shift to replace a portion of its imported fertilizers from Russia with a locally sourced alternative made from animal waste, known as ReNure, Financial Times reported on Friday. The new legislation move is intended to cut down on the revenues funneled to Moscow and to respond to the rising costs of chemical fertilizers, which have been exacerbated by high energy prices necessary for their production.

What is Renure?

ReNure, short for “Recovered Nitrogen from Manures,” is an initiative designed to enhance nutrient management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by substituting chemical fertilizers with processed animal manures. This process involves separating nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from manure, allowing these nutrients to be utilized more efficiently and targeted in agricultural applications.

ReNure aims to increase EU self-sufficiency in fertilizers while alleviating storage pressures from unprocessed slurry on farms. Despite the potential benefits, the adoption of ReNure faces challenges, such as the need for advanced manure processing technologies and economic barriers to implementation. The concept encourages a more circular economy approach, aligning with efforts to reduce environmental impacts and improve agricultural sustainability across the EU.

Support from EU officials

Christophe Hansen, the EU Agriculture Commissioner, emphasized the dual benefits of this initiative. “The livestock sector can provide a positive input to the circular economy,” he said, noting that these resources are domestically available and don’t rely on expensive gas-driven production processes. Hansen also highlighted the need to balance recognizing the opportunities with addressing the challenges this shift may entail.

The push for Renure aligns with broader EU strategies to wean off Russian energy supplies. The EU’s agricultural sector, heavily impacted by the high costs of domestic fertilizers, has seen job losses and market instability as a result.

The Dutch government has been particularly vocal, lobbying for the approval of ReNure, which could reduce fertilizer costs by nearly 5% in regions with heavy livestock production, according to a study by Dutch and Belgian researchers. This comes at a critical time when the EU is also facing farmer revolts triggered by mandatory reductions in livestock numbers due to environmental rulings.

The EU’s new “Vision for Agriculture” strategy outlines the anticipated benefits of adopting low-carbon and recycled fertilizers like ReNure. Jessika Roswall, the Environment Commissioner overseeing nitrogen emissions reforms, stressed the importance of managing nutrients effectively to future-proof agriculture and ensure equitable practices across the bloc.

Criticism of the approach

Despite the potential benefits, the transition to manure-based fertilizers is not without controversy. Environmental concerns about the high nitrogen content of manure, which can leach into waterways and disrupt local ecosystems, have historically limited its use. However, new treatments to reduce nitrogen content are being developed to mitigate these impacts.

Further complicating the situation, recent proposals by the European Commission to impose tariffs on Russian fertilizer imports have met with resistance from some EU member states, worried about the economic burden on farmers. These farmers already face increased costs, with Russia having expanded its market share significantly in the past year.

While the proposed shift aims to reduce the agricultural sector’s environmental footprint—responsible for over 10% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions—the path forward is fraught with challenges. Green advocacy groups, such as the WWF, have expressed concerns that the current plans may not sufficiently address the ongoing issues of pesticide and fertilizer usage, which continue to negatively impact water quality and public health.

As discussions continue, the EU’s agricultural policy appears to be at a crossroads. The need for sustainable practices must balance against the realities of economic and geopolitical pressures.