Spanish Government implements new fertilizer regulations to promote sustainable agriculture

In a decisive step towards sustainable agriculture, the Spanish Council of Ministers has adopted a new Royal Decree to rationalise crop fertilisation. This initiative, proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, is in line with the European ‘From Farm to Table’ plan. which emphasises both production and environmental sustainability.

The new regulations, which are included in the 43 measures to support the agricultural sector, aim to facilitate sustainable soil nutrition.

Their main objective is to improve agricultural soil productivity while minimizing the environmental impact of fertilizers and other nutrients. This is in line with the wider European strategy to ensure sustainable food systems. To make some technical procedures easier for farmers to implement, the legislation simplifies them. They ensure consistency with other relevant legislation, such as that on waste and contaminated soil.              

Key changes in the new regulations include:

• Incentives for digital notebooks: Farmers will not be forced to use digital notebooks but will be offered incentives to encourage their use.

• Detailed information in fertilization plans: Required information in fertilisation plans will be provided, including the determination of the dosage.

• Reduced ammonia emissions: Regulation includes measures to reduce ammonia emissions from fertiliser application.

• Flexibility in the use of manure and organic material: The obligations for the use of manure, fertilisers, and other organic materials will be made more flexible, with additional wastes added to the permitted list and requirements modified.

• Extended stacking and burying periods: The period for stacking and burying manure and organic products will be extended, giving farmers more flexibility in their operations.

These measures are part of the Government's efforts to promote and support the agricultural industry and improve the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers. The Government's aim in promoting sustainable soil nutrition is to improve the environmental performance of agriculture while ensuring efficiency and profitability. This regulation is a key step towards achieving these twin goals.

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