The export of processed manure is difficult. This is reported by manure exporters. The reason for this, according to the exporters, is independent sampling.
Thick manure fraction must be independently sampled since 1 October 2017. This also affects the export of manure, according to inquiries from several manure exporters.
Manure prices itself out of the market
The costs of independent sampling must be passed on to the customer, which means that Dutch manure is priced out of the market. Manure processor Gerard Oude Lenferink from Fleringen (Overijssel) says that the manure has become €8 to €10 per ton more expensive. "The solid fraction must be sampled in the yard, immediately after separation and before it is transported to the processor. After the processing process, it must be sampled again before it can be loaded for transport to Germany."
According to Oude Lenferink, the German fertilizer market is also becoming a displacement market. The rules have been tightened and German manure production is increasing. "Due to this cost price increase, we are pricing ourselves out of the market. We now drive a lot less to Germany than before."
Manure remains
Manure exporter Cees van Vlastuin from Ede (Gelderland) denounces the logistical delay caused by the independent sampling. "It is now impossible for foreign freight to arrive on time. Completely within the time frame of 2 hours." The loads may no longer be loaded if the manure has not been sampled. "That slows things down enormously. As a result, the manure remains behind."
According to Van Vlastuin, as a result, few (return) loads are done with the same truck, which drives up the price. "Pig farmers only get the manure if they pay enough, but they don't have that money. It's a kind of cold remediation."
Now calmer
Ad Merks, Business Unit Manager Manure & Compost of Eurofins Agro, puts the criticism of the manure exporters into perspective. "It's a bit quieter now. That's because extra loads have been brought forward before October 1, so that about 20% more manure samples were taken in September. The solid manure is saved at a number of companies in October. They will come in November. weather", Merks expects. "It's always a bit of a slack time in October."
Merks does acknowledge that there are logistical problems. "Exporters and manure processors experience many problems with the costs and the rigid time blocks of the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Intermediaries find it difficult to schedule loads. This is a discussion point for the evaluation.
Merks expects the Netherlands to run the risk of losing markets as a result. "A number of international transport companies are severely affected by these regulations and are becoming irritated. Some international transporters provide direct sales in Germany and France. They risk losing part of this sales," Merks responds.
Stricter fertilizer legislation in Germany
De stricter fertilizer legislation in Germany limits Dutch manure export. In the autumn, a maximum of 60 kilos of nitrogen per hectare is allowed. Most manure must therefore be supplied in the spring. This also limits the export options.
Co-author is Esther de Snoo.
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