Reduction of cadmium limit
More expensive fertilizer due to new rules
The European Parliament (EP) is demanding that the cadmium content in phosphate fertilizers decrease significantly over the next 16 years. As a result, European producers are required to import higher-taxed fertilizers from Russia, rather than cheaper African alternatives.
The EP voted on Tuesday 24 October to lower cadmium levels in phosphate fertilizers. The maximum value must immediately fall to 60 milligrams per kilo. After 6 years the limit goes to 40 milligrams and finally after 16 years to 20 milligrams. That writes Farmers Guardian. According to MPs, cadmium causes cancer, pollutes water and lowers soil health.
4,8
procent
Not African but Russian phosphate
In third world countries a level of 100 to 400 milligrams per kilo is allowed. 70% of the phosphate that Europe imports comes from West Africa, where cadmium levels are much higher. If the rules are implemented, fertilizer producers are obliged to import phosphate from Russia. The problem is that an import tariff of 4,8% applies to Russian phosphate.
Techniques exist to remove cadmium from phosphate-containing rock. The problem is that that equipment is extremely expensive. A tonne of triple superphosphate becomes €45 more expensive when cadmium has to be removed.
Not final
Fertilizers Europe, the industry association for fertilizer producers, is not happy with the proposed rules. "The European Parliament is jeopardizing the competitive position of European farmers by disrupting phosphate production," said chairman Jacob Hansen. "The environmental and health benefits are minimal." The European Council of Ministers has yet to debate the proposal and ultimately give its approval.
Niels van der Boom
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