The European Commission has formally adopted new legislation that could change how nutrients from livestock manure are managed across Europe. By allowing Member States to authorise the use of qualifying RENURE fertilisers above existing manure application limits, the new framework aims to reduce reliance on imported mineral fertilisers while supporting more sustainable farming.
Although the legislation will require implementation at the national level, it represents an important step towards improving nutrient recycling and helping farmers make better use of resources already available on their farms.
What Is RENURE?
RENURE, or Recovered Nitrogen from Manure, refers to fertiliser products made by processing livestock manure or digestate. Advanced nutrient recovery technologies convert organic nitrogen into forms that crops can absorb more efficiently, allowing these products to perform more like conventional mineral fertilisers.
Unlike raw slurry, RENURE products provide a more consistent nutrient profile and can reduce nutrient losses when applied correctly.
What Has Changed Under the New Legislation?
The new legislation amends the Nitrates Directive and gives Member States the option to authorise qualifying RENURE fertilisers beyond the standard 170kg nitrogen per hectare manure limit.
To qualify, products must meet strict technical and environmental standards. The legislation also requires Member States to introduce safeguards that protect water quality and ensure nutrients are managed responsibly.
The changes are designed to:
- Increase nutrient recycling.
- Reduce dependence on imported fertilisers.
- Encourage investment in nutrient recovery technologies.
- Support more efficient fertiliser use.
- Maintain environmental protection.
Why Has the European Commission Introduced These Rules?
The Commission views livestock manure as a valuable resource rather than a waste product. Large amounts of nitrogen remain available in manure and digestate, yet much of this nutrient potential has traditionally been underused due to regulatory limits.
By encouraging nutrient recovery, the EU hopes to strengthen the circular economy, improve Europe’s strategic autonomy, and reduce exposure to global fertiliser markets.
European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, described the legislation as an opportunity to “turn waste into value” by reducing fertiliser imports while protecting water and the environment.
What Could This Mean for Irish Farmers?
For Ireland’s dairy and livestock sectors, the legislation could create new opportunities to improve nutrient management and reduce fertiliser costs.
Potential benefits include:
- Recovering more value from livestock manure.
- Reducing reliance on imported mineral fertilisers.
- Improving nutrient efficiency across the farm.
- Supporting anaerobic digestion and biomethane production.
- Helping farms adapt to future environmental requirements.
The practical impact will depend on how Ireland implements the new legislation and whether qualifying RENURE products become widely available.
What Happens Next?
The legislation does not apply automatically across the European Union. Each Member State must decide whether to authorise qualifying RENURE fertilisers and incorporate the amendment into national law.
For Irish farmers, the next stage will involve government decisions, regulatory guidance, and investment in nutrient recovery technologies. As these developments progress, RENURE fertilisers could become an increasingly important part of sustainable nutrient management.
Looking Ahead
The adoption of the new RENURE legislation signals a new direction for European agriculture. By recognising processed manure as a valuable nutrient resource, the EU is encouraging farmers to recover, recycle, and reuse nutrients more efficiently.
If implemented successfully, the new framework could help improve farm resilience, reduce fertiliser dependence, and support a more sustainable future for agriculture across Ireland and the wider European Union.