On 19 October 2026, the European Commission launched a public consultation on a proposal to amend the EU Nitrates Directive, allowing Member States greater flexibility in the use of certain liquid digestates derived from livestock manure. The initiative aims to reduce farmers' dependence on chemical fertilizers, improve nutrient recycling, and support more sustainable agricultural practices while maintaining environmental safeguards.
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The proposal follows commitments made under the EU Fertiliser Action Plan, adopted in May 2026, and the EU Livestock Strategy, adopted in July 2026. Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global fertilizer markets, the Commission is seeking to expand access to alternative nutrient sources and reduce reliance on imported, energy-intensive synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
Under the Nitrates Directive, the application of livestock manure, including processed manure, is generally limited to 170 kg of nitrogen per hectare annually. In March 2026, the Commission introduced new rules allowing Member States to exempt certain recovered nitrogen materials from this limit under specific conditions. Known as RENURE (Recovered Nitrogen from Manure), these materials must meet strict quality and environmental criteria demonstrating characteristics comparable to those of chemical fertilizers.
The existing framework covers three categories of materials: ammonium salts, mineral concentrates, and struvite. The proposed amendment would extend this flexibility to certain liquid digestates that meet the relevant RENURE criteria, particularly those containing high concentrations of mineral nitrogen and relatively low levels of organic matter.
Digestates are by-products of anaerobic digestion, a process that converts organic materials into biogas or biomethane. Their agricultural use can help recover valuable nutrients from livestock manure, supporting circular nutrient management while creating synergies between agricultural production and renewable energy.
The initiative is supported by a new assessment from the Commission's Joint Research Centre examining the potential for the safe use of agricultural digestates as fertilizer materials. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that greater flexibility in nutrient use is accompanied by appropriate environmental controls, particularly to prevent nutrient losses and protect water quality.
The draft amendment is subject to a one-month public feedback period, followed by consideration by Member States in the Nitrates Committee and review by the European Parliament and Council.
The proposal reflects the EU's broader efforts to strengthen fertilizer supply resilience while promoting more circular and resource-efficient agricultural systems. Its implementation could provide additional opportunities for farmers to recover nutrients from existing agricultural resources, provided that fertilizer quality, environmental protection, and responsible nutrient management remain central to the regulatory framework.
More information available at: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-proposes-more-flexibility-liquid-digestates-2026-10-19_en