Commission’s fertiliser communication, short term fixes, no long-term solutions

In its Communication on ensuring availability and affordability of fertilisers, the EU Commission postpones necessary changes to achieve more sustainable food systems by implementing short-term fixes to a broken system highly dependent on fertilisers. Instead of moving away from this toxic dependency, the Commission suggests short-term fixes to ensure access to unsustainable markets.

As organic movement, we see and acknowledge the current difficulties of those producing our food. However, it’s crucial we apply long-term perspective to reduce environmental harm & climate & biodiversity crises,

We welcome the Commission’s efforts to ensure better access to organic fertilisers & nutrients from recycled waste streams. However, it’s crucial that waste streams are no source of contamination.

We further acknowledge the Commission’s initiative to encourage Member States to revise their CAP Strategic Plans to close gaps concerning efficient and decreased fertiliser use.

In short, our food system’s addiction to fertilisers comes at a high cost financially, environmentally & socially. Transforming to a more sustainable future means moving away from synthetic fertiliser and recognising that organic is part of the solution.