The European Commission has adopted a new Fertiliser Action Plan, aimed at strengthening Europe’s agricultural resilience and reducing vulnerabilities linked to global supply chains. The initiative comes in response to continued concerns over fertiliser affordability, import dependency and the impact of geopolitical instability on food production across Europe. The proposed measures aim to support more stable fertiliser markets while accelerating the transition towards sustainable and low-carbon nutrient solutions.

Among the priorities highlighted by the Commission are the diversification of fertiliser sources, stronger support for domestic production and the promotion of circular nutrient solutions within the agricultural system. The strategy reflects the growing importance of nutrient efficiency, environmental protection and reducing dependence on imported mineral fertilisers derived from fossil resources. To boost circularity and cut emissions, the Commission aims to encourage wider use of European alternatives, including organic and bio-based fertilisers, biostimulants, microbial solutions, algae-based products and other soil enhancers. The plan also supports the recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus from organic waste streams and sewage sludge, recognising these resources as part of Europe’s long-term approach to food security and sustainability.

These developments are highly relevant to FertiCovery, focused on identifying and assessing technologies for nutrient recovery and fertilising products derived from secondary raw materials. By evaluating environmental, technical and market aspects of nutrient recovery solutions, the project contributes to the knowledge base needed to support Europe’s transition towards more resilient and circular fertiliser systems. The evolving EU policy landscape may also help create stronger opportunities for the future deployment and scaling of the innovative approaches analysed within the project.

Read the EC press release here. The new Action Plan is available here.