Like the rest of the world, Europe faces challenges sourcing fertilisers and other raw materials for agriculture at present. However, accessibility is improving somewhat with the full entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, known as the Fertiliser Product Regulation (FPR).
Plant nutrition is the backbone of healthy and efficient crop production, contributing to both yield and quality. In a modern agricultural context, supplementing plants with minerals as well as macronutrients and micronutrients is essential. So, the current fertiliser shortage linked to the war in Eastern Europe has serious implications for global food security.
By harmonising the regulatory framework for quality and safety standards of all types of fertilisers across the EU and the EEA, FPR accelerates the availability of new products. What’s more, it encourages use of recycled or organic materials for fertilising purposes, promoting sustainability, and facilitating more resource-efficient use of nutrients. This in turn helps reduce the EU’s dependency on nutrients from third countries.
FPR also improves upon earlier attempts at harmonisation. Previously, Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003 was introduced but it only applied to mineral fertilisers and included specific requirements for minimum nutrient contents for different fertiliser types. FPR encompasses all fertilisers, including organic fertilisers and other fertiliser blends, to create a common market. For instance, biostimulants are eligible for Conformité Européene (CE) marking under FPR and excluded from the scope of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Companies that can demonstrate a fertiliser product’s conformity with FPR may obtain a CE mark, meaning the product can be sold throughout the EU and EEA without having to fulfil national requirements of individual countries.
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