The European Commission has recently presented a new EU Action Plan on fertilisers, aimed at addressing rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, and increasing pressure on farmers across Europe. The initiative is part of a broader effort to safeguard food security, strengthen agricultural resilience, and reduce dependency on external fertiliser imports.  

European farmers have been facing significant challenges in recent years due to price volatility and supply instability in global fertiliser markets, which are closely linked to energy costs and geopolitical tensions. In response, the Commission’s plan focuses on both immediate relief measures and long-term structural changes to the fertiliser system in Europe. 

Key objectives of the EU Action Plan 

The new initiative introduces a combination of financial, regulatory, and strategic actions, including: 

• Exceptional financial support to farmers affected by rising fertiliser costs; 

• A new liquidity scheme to improve cash flow in the agricultural sector; 

• Incentives for more efficient fertiliser use and improved nutrient management; 

• Measures to facilitate the use of nutrient-rich recycled materials such as digestates from organic waste; 

• Support for the development and uptake of alternative fertilisers, including bio-based and circular solutions. 

At the same time, the Commission aims to strengthen the EU fertiliser industry and domestic production capacity, reducing reliance on imports and reinforcing strategic autonomy. 

A central element of the plan is the acceleration of the transition towards more sustainable fertiliser systems, including low-carbon production processes and increased use of circular economy solutions. This includes promoting innovation in fertiliser production and improving access to financing for green technologies in the sector. 

The Commission also intends to enhance market transparency and preparedness, including improved monitoring systems, early warning mechanisms, and potential options for strategic stockpiling of fertilisers. 

Relevance for P2GreeN 

The objectives of this EU initiative are closely aligned with the mission of P2GreeN, which promotes the recovery and reuse of nutrients from organic waste streams to create sustainable fertiliser alternatives. 

By encouraging the use of recycled nutrients and circular fertiliser solutions, the EU Action Plan reinforces the importance of innovative approaches like those developed within P2GreeN. These solutions can contribute to: 

• Reducing dependency on mineral fertilisers 

• Closing nutrient loops at regional level 

• Lowering environmental impacts from agriculture 

• Supporting a more resilient and circular agri-food system 

Looking ahead 

The fertiliser action plan marks an important step in the EU’s strategy to ensure long-term food security while advancing sustainability goals. For projects such as P2GreeN, it represents a strong policy signal supporting the shift towards circular nutrient management and innovative fertiliser solutions across Europe. 

For more information 

Press release – Commission presents plan to secure Europe’s fertiliser supply and food security