Denmark to introduce limits on nitrogen fertilizer use

The Danish parliament has approved legislation restricting the use of nitrogen fertilizers, which will take effect on January 1. The new rules will introduce differentiated nitrogen application limits depending on field size and crop type.

The government expects the new rules to reduce nitrogen losses by more than 10 thsd tons per year. The main goal is to limit nitrogen runoff from farmland into rivers and the Baltic Sea, where excess nutrients contribute to eutrophication and the formation of dead zones.

The restrictions have raised concerns among farmers. Several thousand farmers took part in demonstrations in Copenhagen during consideration of the legislation. Producers point to the risk of lower yields and reduced profitability for some crops as a result of lower fertilizer application rates.

Following discussions, parliament postponed the implementation of the new requirements for fruit and vegetable producers by one year. Farmers will also be eligible for compensation financed under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.

The new rules are also intended to encourage the restoration of wetlands. The Danish Agriculture & Food Council said it would continue discussions over the restrictions, as their impact on the economics of agricultural production remains a key issue for the sector.

Tags: EU, limit, fertilizer, Denmark