Manure fraud in Belgium brought to light

Manure processing is being cheated in Belgium, according to an article in the Belgian newspaper De Standaard. Anonymous sources confirm that the manure is processed on paper, but in reality it is applied to the land.

The scope of the alleged manure fraud is not shown, but various sources speak in the newspaper about a multi-million dollar issue. The case came to light because the nitrate and phosphorus levels in Belgian groundwater are too high. The Flemish MP Bart Caron then made an appeal to which various anonymous sources from the sector responded.  

Manure action plan 
The sources claim that (semi-)empty trucks are driving from livestock farmers to manure processors, giving the impression that the manure is being processed. In reality, however, the manure is spread on the land. 

These findings will be published in the run-up to the new manure action plan. This will be voted on in the Flemish Parliament on Wednesday 22 May. This plan argues for a tightening up of the Belgian manure policy.

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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