New German fertilizer law makes sales more difficult

"Own manure first." That is the starting point of the new German fertilizer policy. This policy is effective from Friday, June 2. The new manure law is a lot stricter than before. The aim is to distribute the own manure over the country as much as possible and to exclude imported manure. 

The pop-up editors of Boerenbusiness was at a presentation of the "landwirtschaftskammer" in Saxony-Anhalt, which gave an explanation of the new so-called "düngeverordnung". Although much is still unclear about the roll-out of the rules, one thing is certain: exporting Dutch manure to Germany will become more difficult. How much more difficult depends on how the federal states implement the new national fertilizer rules. 

Culprit in environmental file
According to the Landwirtschaftskammer in Saxony-Anhalt, the German government sees organic fertilizers as a culprit in the environmental files. The problems with animal manure are less relevant in Saxony-Anhalt, but especially in Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and to a lesser extent in Schleswig-Holstijn. There is a clear manure surplus in these federal states. The new legislation must ensure that the manure surplus in this federal state is sold in other areas of Germany. The use of foreign manure should no longer be necessary in the future. 

Strict nitrogen policy
An amendment to the legislation is that the amount of nitrogen for cereal crops has been set at 230 kilos per hectare. This means no net installation space of 230 kilos. The levels in the soil are measured every spring. The difference may be supplemented on the basis of this result. Different values ​​apply to other crops, but the same theory. There are arable lands in Germany that exceed 230 kilos of nitrogen. This means that no nitrogen may be supplied. The phosphate standards are also being tightened considerably. In some areas this could mean a phosphate ban. 

Shorter exit season
Another example is that it is considerably tightened up during the exit season. For arable land this is shortened to the beginning of August. Previously this was November. The manure may still be spread on grassland until the beginning of November. The start of the fertilizer season remains January. If there is a cold and wet winter, this can be postponed until March. 

The maximum period for manure storage is also halved, from 6 months to 3 months. In the future, the new legislation will only allow manure to be stored in officially recognized locations. 

Big fines
Violators of the law can count on hefty fines of up to 150.000 euros. The government has promised to enforce strict rules. Each municipality in Germany is allowed to interpret the government guidelines in its own way. This probably creates complex situations, since arable farms often operate in several municipalities. The expectation is that German farmers will become reluctant to use animal manure as a result. 

Farmers angry and insecure 
According to a spokesperson for a German representative, the farmers are reacting frustrated and dismissive of the new manure policy. Although in many cases the impact of the adjustments is not yet well understood. For example, it still needs to be realized that fertilizing in the fall will no longer be possible. 

Consequences for manure export
What the new legislation means for the export of Dutch manure is still uncertain. According to the Landwirtschaftskammer, the new policy strongly gives the impression that the government wants to stop the influx of foreign manure. As a result, the German fertilizer market is entering a period of uncertainty.

The new regulations have put a damper on Dutch manure exporters who have just traveled to East Germany to tap into a new market for Dutch manure. 

Pop-up editors
The 'pop-up editors' of Boerenbusiness reports this week from the state of Saxony-Anhalt (East Germany). There she is investigating the export possibilities of Dutch manure to that agricultural region. The 'pop-up editors' visit German arable farmers and follow Dutch manure processors and exporters.

All articles about this trade mission can be found here.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is Head of Meat & Dairy at BoerenbusinessAt DCA Market Intelligence, he focuses on dairy, pork, and meat markets. He also monitors (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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