April 4: D-day for extension of derogation

The European Commission (EC) has proposed to extend the derogation for broader spreading standards for manure by 2 years. The EC Nitrate Committee will vote on this proposal on Wednesday 4 April.

The conditions of the derogation in the proposal made are the same as those between 2014 and 2017. Farms with at least 80% grassland can claim to increase the maximum amount of nitrogen (from 170 kilos to 230 or 250 kilos per hectare per year). The phosphate ceiling (172,9 million kilos per year) will also be maintained.

Shorter than usual
However, the extension period in the proposal is 2 years shorter than normal. This is partly due to the recent cattle- and manure fraud. 

Click here to read the proposal. 

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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