The ESNI-NERM conference (28-29 April 2026) was an inspiring forum, which focused on addressing key bottlenecks hindering the upscaling and deployment of nutient recycling. The current energy crisis can provide a new boost to build a market for bio-based fertilisers and recovered nutrients, while improving soil health and soil fertility in Europe.
During this event, relevant instruments and policies were presented to reduce dependencies on mineral fertilisers imports and increase nutrients circularity, such as the new CAP toolbox and eco-schemes. The implementation of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy will support nitrogen use efficiency to foster strategic self-sufficiency, given that closing the nutrient loop is becoming and environmental and economic necessity. In addition, a Fertiliser Action Plan will be released by the European Commission around May-June 2026.
Researchers, industry representatives and policy makers highlighted the need to assess the performance and costs of the novel technologies and products, considering soil health, regional conditions and needs. In this context, derisking the testing of new products is key to gain farmers’ trust.
Agata Kotkowska (DG ENV, European Commission) highlighted the economic potential of the bioeconomy and the importance of stimulating private and public investments through bankable projects. Economic incentives for farmers, foresters and fishermen to use secondary raw materials are also essential to ensure the deployment of the bioeconomy. The potential offered by biogas and digestate valorisation was presented by Laure Baillargeon (DG GROW, European Commission). Biogas can be more affordable by creating business models combining biogas, digestate and biogenic CO2.
During the session on success stories from the industry, NuReSys and Detricon technologies were showcased, including a decision-making tool for manure management strategies and solutions for second generation Phosphorous-recovery.
Three FertiCovery partners (BTG, European Biogas Association, European Compost Network, Greenovate! Europe) had the chance to join this ESNI-NERM Conference in Brussels. Sterre van der Voort from BTG (FertiCovery coordinator) presented the state of the art and potential for scale up during the parallel session, co-organised with the CiNURGi and FERTITEC projects.
During this joint session, Minna Huttunen (DG RTD, European Commission) stressed the interdependence of nutrient recycling with resilience and food security. The engaging panel discussion explored the policy and governance levers needed to scale circular nutrient solutions, where Lucile Sever (European Biogas Association – FertiCovery Partner) shared insights on how Europe can accelerate nutrient recycling and scale up bio-based fertilisers. She stated that progress will come from combining mature technologies like composting and anaerobic digestion with innovative pathways producing struvite, mineral concentrates or biochar, all adapted to local soil needs and regulatory contexts.
Lucile Sever from EBA also underlined the importance of turning EU-funded research into clear, targeted policy messages, aligned with ongoing legislative processes such as the Circular Economy Act, the CAP and the Fertilising Products Regulation. Panellists also mentioned that resilience and independence should have more value in market frameworks.
